Aaron Judge’s power display wasn’t enough to carry the Yankees past the Athletics, as New York dropped an 11-7 decision in West Sacramento on Saturday afternoon.
Judge continued his torrid home run pace, launching solo shots in the fourth and sixth innings to reclaim the MLB lead with 14 on the season. His two-homer effort marked the 41st multi-homer game of his career, trailing only Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Lou Gehrig in Yankees history.
New York dug out of an early 4-0 hole after Carlos Rodón surrendered a pair of long balls, including a three-run blast by Brent Rooker. The Yankees stormed back behind Judge and a two-run shot from Oswald Peraza to take a 6-4 lead into the middle innings.
But the tide turned in the seventh when Fernando Cruz gave up a three-run homer to Shea Langeliers that put the Athletics on top for good. Langeliers wasn’t done as he added a two-run double during a four-run eighth that stretched the Athletics lead.
The Yankees threatened in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases after an error, but Athletics closer Mason Miller struck out Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt to escape the jam. Miller would record a five-out save, his 11th of the season.
Box Score | Highlights coming soon…
New York will look to win the series on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. before heading to Seattle for three games.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].