Trent Grisham accounted for all of the New York Yankees’ offense Tuesday night, driving in three runs to lead the Yankees (70-55) to a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles (61-65).
Making his first start since June 28, Carlos Rodón gave the Yankees four solid innings as he continued his buildup following a lengthy absence caused by left elbow inflammation.
New York’s offense had little success early against Orioles starter Shane Baz, who struck out six of the first eight Yankees he faced. Grisham finally broke through in the third inning, sending a 403-foot solo home run out of the park to give the Yankees a 1-0 lead. It was his fifth home run in eight games.
Baz continued to overpower New York and finished with 10 strikeouts before departing in the seventh inning. The Yankees took advantage of the Orioles turning to a left-handed reliever, loading the bases with one out after Aaron Boone went to his bench.
Amed Rosario struck out, but Grisham followed with a two-run single to put New York back in front, 3-1.
Grisham and George Lombard Jr., who finished 2-for-4 with a run scored, accounted for four of the Yankees’ five hits. New York struck out 14 times and went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Rodón worked around two walks during his first two innings and escaped a second-inning threat after Jazz Chisholm Jr. committed an error that prevented a potential inning-ending double play. Coby Mayo tied the game with a solo home run in the third, but it was the only damage against Rodón, who allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings. He threw 66 pitches.
The Yankees bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, with Yerry De Los Santos, Brent Headrick, Fernando Cruz, Paul Blackburn, and David Bednar preserving the victory.
The Yankees and Orioles continue their three-game series Wednesday at 6:35 p.m., with Will Warren scheduled to start against Chris Bassitt.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
