Yankees Break Extra-Inning Drought With Bellinger’s Decisive Hit
Cody Bellinger’s 10th-inning single caps a hard-fought 7-5 victory over the Guardians, while David Bednar earns the save in a game defined by late-inning drama and individual slumps.
The New York Yankees ended a prolonged struggle in extra-inning matchups on Monday night, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 7-5 in ten innings. The victory marks the first success for New York in four extra-inning games this season, halting a losing streak that had seen the club fall short in three previous extended contests.
The decisive moment arrived in the top of the 10th inning with Ali Sánchez serving as the automatic runner. After Ben Rice was intentionally walked and a called strike three on Max Schuemann was overturned to ball four, the bases were loaded. Cody Bellinger delivered a two-run single to left field off Shawn Armstrong, driving in both Sánchez and Rice to secure the win.
Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan McMahon provided the offensive backbone for New York, each hitting home runs. Goldschmidt opened the scoring with a first-inning blast off starter Gavin Williams, while McMahon led off the fifth with a shot to left field that gave the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Goldschmidt’s recent form has been significant, with the first baseman hitting safely in 11 of his last 12 games.
Cleveland’s Angel Martínez ended an 8-for-61 offensive slump with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, giving the Guardians a 5-4 lead. It was Martínez’s first home run since May 17, but the lead was short-lived after Goldschmidt drove in Trent Grisham with a grounder in the eighth inning to tie the game.
Defensive highlights included a diving stop and double play by Cleveland shortstop Brayan Rocchio in the eighth, which prevented further damage. For the Yankees, David Bednar earned the win, striking out three batters in 1 2/3 hitless innings. The win sets the stage for Gerrit Cole, who is scheduled to make his fourth start since returning from Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.
