The New York Yankees fell to the Minnesota Twins, 5-4, in 13 innings Wednesday afternoon at Target Field, dropping to 88-64 after failing to finish off a game they had several opportunities to win.
The loss also came with another injury concern surrounding Aaron Judge. In just his seventh game back from a three-month absence, Judge was removed in the sixth inning because of right lower leg tightness. He went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts before being replaced by a pinch-hitter.
New York was held in check for most of the afternoon by Twins starter Zebby Matthews. The right-hander allowed only two hits and two walks while striking out eight over six scoreless innings, keeping the Yankees off the scoreboard until the ninth.
Carlos Rodón kept New York within striking distance, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings. His earned-run average dropped to 2.95 through 15 starts this season.
Clarke Schmidt also made his return to the Major Leagues after missing more than 14 months while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Schmidt struck out two but allowed two singles and left with runners on second and third and two outs. Brent Headrick followed by striking out Ryan Jeffers to escape the inning.
After being held scoreless through eight innings, the Yankees finally broke through in the ninth. Anthony Volpe continued his strong stretch at the plate with a two-run double off the right-center-field wall, tying the game and giving Twins closer Yoendrys Gomez his first blown save of the season.
New York and Minnesota exchanged runs in both the 10th and 11th innings. David Bednar helped keep the Yankees alive by escaping a first-and-second, no-out situation in the 10th before stranding the potential winning run in scoring position in the 11th.
The Yankees then failed to capitalize on a bases-loaded opportunity in the 12th. After New York was held scoreless again in the 13th, Victor Caratini ended the game with a single that slipped under George Lombard Jr.’s glove, allowing Luke Keaschall to score the winning run.
New York left 13 runners on base and went 7-for-30 with runners in scoring position.
The Yankees are off Thursday before opening a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. Gerrit Cole is scheduled to start for New York, with first pitch at 9:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.