The New York Yankees got a big boost from an unexpected source on Saturday, as backup outfielder Trent Grisham powered the offense with two home runs and four RBI in a 10-4 series-clinching win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
With Cody Bellinger sidelined again due to back tightness, Grisham stepped in and made the most of the opportunity, launching a solo shot in the third and go-ahead three-run blast in the fifth. His second homer capped off a six-run frame that saw New York erase a brief Pittsburgh lead. Jasson Domínguez and Oswald Peraza set the table with back-to-back hits before Grisham went deep, and Anthony Volpe followed with a three-run double to break the game open.
Austin Wells got things started earlier with a clutch RBI single in the second, fouling off four two-strike pitches before delivering the knock. Marcus Stroman cruised through the early innings but unraveled in the fourth, allowing four runs before being lifted after just four innings. Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., Fernando Cruz, and Ryan Yarbrough picked up the slack with five shutout frames from the bullpen.
Paul Goldschmidt collected three hits and an RBI, while Aaron Judge chipped in with a hit and scored two runs in his 1,001st career game.
The Yankees (6-2) aim for a three-game sweep on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. as Will Warren takes the mound opposite Andrew Heaney.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].