The New York Yankees secured a dramatic victory against the Atlanta Braves with a 3-2 win on Friday night. The game witnessed a late rally in a rain-delayed match that extended beyond midnight.
Ben Rice played a pivotal role by hitting a crucial single off the right-field fence. This play came with two outs in the ninth inning and tied the game. Ryan McMahon then delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning.
This win improved the Yankees to a 2-8 record in extra-inning games. The victory also interrupted the Braves’ eight-game winning streak, which had propelled them to the top of the NL East Leaderboard.
Pitching Highlights
Yankees left-hander Max Fried, in his first appearance against his former team, impressed by pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Tyler Mahle matched his performance by delivering six shutout innings in his debut for Atlanta.
Austin Riley hit a home run in the eighth inning, while Matt Olson’s homer in the ninth put the Braves ahead by two runs. However, the Yankees made a comeback late in the game.
Yankees Fight Back
Facing a two-run deficit with only one out remaining, Austin Wells hit a double to score a run against All-Star closer Raisel Iglesias. Amed Rosario drew a walk, setting the stage for Rice’s game-tying single. Heliot Ramos was hit by a pitch, loading the bases before Dylan Dodd’s entry led to Luis García Jr. grounding out and sending the game to extra innings.
The Yankees’ rally began with rookie George Lombard Jr. reaching on an infield single, advancing to third on Iglesias’ throwing error. Yankees pitcher David Bednar contributed with a scoreless 10th inning, aided by Lombard’s throw from shortstop and García’s catch at first base.
In the bottom 10th, Spencer Jones was intentionally walked, and Lombard walked from Tyler Kinley, loading the bases. García, as the automatic runner, scored on McMahon’s sacrifice fly to right field, helping the Yankees improve to 5-42 when trailing after eight innings.
Game Delayed by Weather
The game started late due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, delaying it by nearly two hours. This match marked the eighth time in 10 games that a Yankees starter allowed no more than one run.
Fried’s Past and Future
Max Fried, who had an eight-year stint with the Braves, signed a lucrative $218 million, eight-year contract with the Yankees in December 2024.
Upcoming Matchup
Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup on Saturday when Atlanta’s left-hander Chris Sale, with a record of 12-6 and a 2.08 ERA, returns to the mound. He will face New York’s right-hander Gerrit Cole, who holds a 5-5 record and 3.42 ERA, during Old Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium.
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