Bellinger's Late Heroics Lift Yankees Over Guardians 7-5

CLEVELAND (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, Cody Bellinger delivered a clutch two-run single in the 10th inning, leading the New York Yankees to a 7-5 victory against the Cleveland Guardians. This marks a significant win for the Yankees, who had struggled in extra-inning games this season, finally breaking a four-game losing streak in that format.

The game saw Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan McMahon both hit home runs for New York. The Guardians initially took the lead in the fifth inning when Angel Martínez launched a two-run homer, putting them ahead 5-4. However, Goldschmidt responded in the eighth with a grounder that brought Trent Grisham home, leveling the score.

As the 10th inning began with Ali Sánchez as the automatic runner, Ben Rice was intentionally walked. Max Schuemann then successfully contested a strike call, resulting in a walk that filled the bases. The Guardians brought their infield in, but Bellinger’s hit to left field off pitcher Shawn Armstrong (1-1) allowed Sánchez and Rice to score.

David Bednar (2-3), who was the seventh pitcher used by the Yankees, secured the win by striking out three batters over 1 2/3 innings without allowing a hit. He effectively retired five of the six batters he faced during his outing.

Before his crucial home run, Martínez had been struggling, managing only eight hits in his last 61 at-bats. His fifth-inning shot was his first home run since May 17 against the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, Goldschmidt continues to shine, having hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, with a remarkable .314 batting average in that stretch.

Looking ahead, Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (1-1, 2.00 ERA) will take the mound for his fourth start on Tuesday after returning from Tommy John surgery, while the Guardians will counter with right-hander Slade Cecconi (3-5, 4.92).