The New York Yankees (61-66) had an opportunity to win their first series since late July but blew a two-run lead and had a ninth-inning rally fall short in a 6-5 loss to the Washington Nationals (59-69) on Thursday afternoon in the Bronx.
New York grabbed an early 3-1 lead, but things quickly fell apart in the top of the seventh when Tommy Kahnle entered the game. The right-hander allowed an inherited run to score and three more after that, including back-to-back home runs, which put Washington on top. The Yankees tried to rally back as they plated runs in the eighth and ninth, but Harrison Bader hit a deep fly ball to the warning track to end the game.
Aaron Judge crushed his 28th home run of the season, his fourth in the last two games. Gleyber Torres drilled his 20th long ball while Giancarlo Stanton smacked his 19th and added a run-scoring single.
Michael King made his second start of the season and surrendered an unearned run over 2 2/3 innings.
The Yankees will head out on another road trip, starting with three in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend. The series opener is set for Friday at 6:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].