Yankees Survive Late Scare, Edge Twins 10-9 After Building Nine-Run Lead
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The New York Yankees built a commanding early lead, then held on for dear life as they narrowly escaped with a 10-9 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Target Field.
Trent Grisham launched a three-run homer in the second inning, and every Yankees starter recorded a hit as New York surged to a 10-1 lead by the second inning. Anthony Volpe, returning to the lineup after receiving a cortisone shot in his left shoulder, added two hits and an RBI, helping to power the early offensive explosion.
Rookie Cam Schlittler pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on three hits and five walks. Despite the shaky outing and continued bullpen struggles — the Yankees’ bullpen ERA sits at 5.49 since the All-Star break — New York managed to hold off a furious Minnesota rally.
The Twins clawed back with a pair of home runs, including James Outman’s blast off Schlittler and Ryan Fitzgerald’s shot off Ryan Yarbrough. Trevor Larnach added a solo homer in the ninth off closer David Bednar, who eventually recorded the final three outs for his 25th save in 28 chances.
Minnesota scored seven runs between the fifth and sixth innings to close the gap, nearly tying the game in the sixth when Larnach’s deep fly to right was caught just in front of the wall by Aaron Judge.
Ben Rice added three hits and an RBI for the Yankees, who bounced back strongly after a 7-0 shutout loss in Monday’s series opener. Grisham’s home run marked his career-high 31st of the season.
Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. (6-7) earned the win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, while Twins starter Zebby Matthews (4-6) endured a rough outing — giving up a career-high 11 hits and nine runs over just three innings.
The Twins stole four bases in the game, bringing their season total to 103 — surpassing the 100-steal mark for the first time since 2012. Byron Buxton had two swipes and is now a perfect 24-for-24 on the basepaths this season.
Up Next:
The series wraps up Wednesday evening. Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (4-1, 2.83 ERA) takes the mound, looking to continue his hot streak after allowing two runs or fewer in seven straight starts. The Twins will counter with righty Taj Bradley (6-7, 4.88 ERA).
