Yankees Triumph Over Braves in Extra-Inning Comeback

The New York Yankees secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against the Atlanta Braves in an extra-inning game on Friday night. Ben Rice hit a crucial single with two outs in the ninth inning to tie the game, followed by Ryan McMahon’s sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, completing the comeback.

New York’s record improved to 2-8 in extra innings, ending the Braves’ eight-game winning streak. The game commenced after a rain delay and concluded past midnight.

Max Fried, a former Atlanta player, delivered an impressive performance for the Yankees. He pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Tyler Mahle, in his first game with Atlanta, matched Fried with six shutout innings of his own.

The Braves initially took the lead as Austin Riley hit a home run in the eighth inning, and Matt Olson added another in the ninth, giving them a 2-0 advantage. However, the Yankees fought back in the bottom of the ninth. Austin Wells doubled to bring in a run, and Amed Rosario’s walk set the stage for Rice’s game-tying single.

The extra-inning drama escalated when Heliot Ramos was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Atlanta managed to escape the inning tied after Dylan Dodd forced a groundout from Luis García Jr.

In the 10th inning, rookie George Lombard Jr. reached base on an infield single and took third on a throwing error by Raisel Iglesias. David Bednar contributed a scoreless 10th inning thanks to defensive gems, including Lombard’s throw from shortstop and García’s catch at first base.

Spencer Jones was walked intentionally with one out in the bottom of the 10th, and Lombard walked as well, filling the bases. With Luis García as the automatic runner, Ryan McMahon hit a sacrifice fly on a full-count pitch, ending the game with García scoring effortlessly.

The Yankees had previously struggled when trailing late, with a record of 5-42 when behind after eight innings. A solid performance from their starter marked the eighth time in 10 games a Yankees pitcher allowed no more than one run.

Max Fried made his first appearance against his former team since signing a $218 million, eight-year contract with the Yankees in December 2024, leaving the Braves after eight seasons.

Next up, Atlanta’s Chris Sale will face New York’s Gerrit Cole in a matchup of Cy Young Award winners during Old Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium.

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