SAN DIEGO (AP) — In a pivotal game for both teams, Spencer Jones delivered a two-out RBI double against the San Diego Padres, igniting a four-run rally in the second inning that propelled the New York Yankees to a 5-1 victory on Saturday. This win is significant as it edges the Yankees closer to clinching their 34th consecutive winning season.
The Yankees, now with an 81-61 record, have been on a roll, winning five of their last seven games and 13 of their last 19. This performance has solidified their position at the top of the American League's wild-card standings, as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.
On the other hand, the Padres have struggled recently, losing six of their last eight games. They entered Saturday's matchup just a half-game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third National League wild card, making every game crucial as the season approaches its conclusion.
In the second inning, Jones, a rookie who grew up in Carlsbad and attended La Costa Canyon High, made his mark by doubling into the right-field corner off left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray. This hit brought in Ben Rice, who had opened the inning with a single and advanced on a groundout by George Lombard Jr. Following Jones' hit, Ray issued three consecutive walks, allowing another run to score before Cody Bellinger contributed a two-run single to extend the lead. Lombard later added a sacrifice fly in the third inning, bringing Rice home again after he walked and advanced on a single by Heliot Ramos.
Jones had previously made an impact in Friday's game, where he recorded an RBI single in the 10th inning, giving the Yankees a brief lead before the Padres' Luis Campusano hit a walk-off two-run homer.
On the mound, Carlos Rodón (5-3) earned his first victory in five starts, delivering an impressive performance by allowing just one run and two hits over five innings while striking out seven batters and walking three. His only slip-up came when he surrendered a leadoff homer to Manny Machado in the fourth inning, marking Machado's 25th home run of the season.
Ray (11-8) struggled significantly, giving up five runs on five hits and four walks in just 2 1/3 innings of work. This outing marked Ray's shortest appearance since he managed only two outs against the Atlanta Braves while pitching for the San Francisco Giants on August 14, 2024.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are set to face the Padres in the series finale on Sunday, with right-handers Gerrit Cole (8-7, 3.29 ERA) and Michael King (9-9, 3.11 ERA) scheduled to take the mound.
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