The New York Yankees (32-23) used a seven-run inning to claim a 10-7 series-clinching victory over the San Diego Padres (24-29) on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
New York trailed 3-1 after two innings but sent 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the third inning and scored seven runs to take an 8-3 lead. San Diego put up a three-spot in the seventh to make it a two-run game, but the Yankees added two late insurance runs, and the bullpen held on to secure the victory.
Aaron Judge smacked his American League-leading 15th home run of the season and ripped a game-tying RBI single. Kyle Higashioka had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Harrison Bader belted his sixth home run and had an RBI groundout. Anthony Rizzo, Willie Calhoun, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Anthony Volpe added run-scoring hits.
Rizzo left the game with a neck injury after colliding with Fernando Tatis Jr. at first base on a pickoff. The Yankees said it was precautionary and should not miss any time.
Gerrit Cole gave up five runs over six innings for the second consecutive start. He also issued three walks but struck out nine batters.
The Yankees will head out on the West Coast to begin a six-game road trip, starting Monday with three against the Seattle Mariners. The first pitch is set for 9:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].