In New York, Zack Gelof’s two-run homer off Victor González in the ninth inning helped the Oakland Athletics end an eight-game losing streak in the Bronx by defeating the Yankees 2-0 on Monday. This victory came shortly after New York manager Aaron Boone was ejected just five pitches into the game.
Both Carlos Rodón for New York and JP Sears for Oakland delivered shutout performances, with neither team able to score until the ninth inning. The breakthrough came when Abraham Toro reached base off González after the pitcher slipped while fielding Toro’s dribbler.
Gelof’s opposite-field home run, his third of the season, proved to be the winning hit. A’s manager Mark Kotsay praised Gelof’s ability to hit against a quality left-handed pitcher, emphasizing the significance of going opposite field.
Gelof, who struggled against left-handers last year, worked on his skills in the offseason, aiming to improve his performance against them.
Kotsay made a strategic decision to move Gelof down to sixth in the batting order to help him relax and find his rhythm, as Gelof’s batting average this season has dipped compared to his rookie year.
Lucas Erceg earned the win by pitching two innings, while Mason Miller secured the save by striking out three Yankees batters in the ninth inning. Miller’s fastball averaged over 101 mph, impressing both teammates and opponents.
Miller, who pitched at Yankee Stadium for the first time, noted the unique atmosphere of the stadium before the game.
Oakland, coming off a series sweep in Cleveland, hadn’t won at Yankee Stadium since 2021.
Yankees star Aaron Judge struggled, going hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts and a double-play grounder.
The game saw a controversial moment when Boone was ejected for disputing a call after a fan behind the dugout made a remark to the umpire.
Rodón delivered an outstanding performance for the Yankees, allowing just one hit over seven scoreless innings, while Sears was equally impressive for Oakland, throwing six shutout innings with seven strikeouts.
Sears’ slider, particularly effective against left-handed batters, posed a challenge for the Yankees, as noted by first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
