Some wins feel like a breath of fresh air after being stuck underwater—and Tuesday night was exactly that for the New York Yankees.
Fresh off a rough visit to Los Angeles, the team returned home carrying bruises, questions, and a desperate need for a morale boost.
Facing a solid Cleveland Guardians squad, the Yankees instead found resilience. With Carlos Rodon shoving, bats rising late, and Devin Williams just barely avoiding disaster, New York eked out a dramatic 3–2 win.
It wasn’t perfect—but it was personal. It was necessary.
Rodon delivers again and keeps justifying his massive contract
Carlos Rodon didn’t just take the mound Tuesday night—he owned it, dissecting Cleveland’s lineup with clinical precision.
For a pitcher who wore early-season struggles like a scarlet letter, this version of Rodon is something else entirely. Seven innings, one earned run, eight strikeouts, and only five hits allowed.
He looked every bit the $162 million man the Yankees had dreamed about.
Rodon’s recent stretch has been elite by any standard. In his last seven starts, he’s posted a microscopic 1.65 ERA, striking out 53 batters in just over 43 innings.
His command has returned, his confidence is growing, and perhaps most importantly, he’s giving the Yankees what they desperately lacked—an ace they can trust.
Chisholm and Volpe spark seventh-inning surge
The game was tight through six, and Cleveland evened the score in the seventh, briefly casting doubt on the Bronx faithful.
But as the saying goes, pressure makes diamonds—and two Yankees provided just that kind of shine in the bottom of the frame.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., back after a grueling month away nursing three different oblique injuries, showed no rust. In his first game back, he took Tanner Bibee deep, reclaiming the lead with one swing.
Just moments later, Anthony Volpe followed suit, delivering a solo shot of his own.
Like a one-two punch from a boxer regaining control, those homers stunned Cleveland and reenergized the stadium. It was a reminder of what this team can be when its stars align.
Williams walks the tightrope in nail-biting ninth
With Luke Weaver out due to a hamstring strain, the Yankees handed ninth-inning duties to Devin Williams—a move that triggered understandable anxiety.
Williams’ track record in the closer’s role this year had been shaky, and he didn’t exactly inspire confidence this time either.
After a promising start, the inning nearly unraveled. A double by Carlos Santana, an RBI single by Daniel Schneemann, and a stolen base suddenly brought the tying run into scoring position.
The air at Yankee Stadium thickened, fans shifting nervously in their seats. But with two outs and all the pressure in the world, Williams induced a soft fly ball from Bo Naylor to seal the win.
He got the save, but the Yankees might need more stability—and fewer palpitations—from him moving forward.
A win to build on after L.A. stumble
The Yankees needed this one badly. After being knocked around by the Dodgers losing two out of three in LA, Tuesday’s win was less about standings and more about momentum.
Rodon’s dominance provided a backbone. Chisholm’s return added flair and punch. Volpe’s continued growth solidified belief. And Williams—however shaky—closed the door.
If this team is going to push for October glory, nights like this will need to become habit, not the exception.
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