The New York Yankees broke through with five runs in the 10th inning on Wednesday night, beating the Los Angeles Angels, 6-3, to win two of three games in Anaheim.
New York entered extra innings after Cam Schlittler and the Yankees’ bullpen kept the Angels within reach throughout the night. With the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th, Austin Wells delivered the breakthrough, singling to right to bring home two runs.
Cody Bellinger followed with another RBI single, Trent Grisham added one of his own, and Ben Rice capped the rally with a run-scoring hit as the Yankees suddenly broke the game open.
The Yankees finished with 12 hits, but had trouble producing with runners in scoring position until the decisive inning.
Amed Rosario drove in New York’s first run in the fourth inning with a ground-rule double against Angels starter Reid Detmers. The left-hander otherwise kept the Yankees in check, allowing six hits and one run while striking out eight over seven innings.
Schlittler was outstanding, retiring 17 consecutive batters during one stretch. Vaughn Grissom finally ended that run with a solo home run in the seventh inning, but Schlittler remained in control and completed eight innings while allowing two hits and one run. He walked nobody and struck out nine on 99 pitches.
ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football begins new season against New Hampshire Saturday (preview) David Bednar followed with a scoreless ninth, striking out three. Michael Fulmer worked the 10th but surrendered a two-run homer to Moisés Ballesteros before recording the final two outs.
Spencer Jones struggled at the plate, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, but Wells and Grisham provided key production off the bench. The two pinch-hitters combined for three hits and three runs batted in.
The Yankees improved to 80-60 and moved within 3.5 games of the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the American League East.
After Thursday’s off day, New York opens a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Friday at 9:40 p.m. Max Fried is scheduled to face Walker Buehler.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.