The New York Yankees delivered a commanding 8-2 defeat to the Athletics on Friday night in West Sacramento, California, powered by Paul Goldschmidt’s three-run blast and solo home runs from Ryan McMahon and Ben Rice.
Ben Rice turned in a standout performance with four hits and two RBIs, matching his season high, while Aaron Judge contributed two RBIs as New York extended its winning streak to five games. During this hot stretch, the Yankees have dominated opponents by a combined score of 36-6.
On the mound, Carlos Rodon (1-2) delivered six solid innings for New York, surrendering just one run on four hits while recording three strikeouts and issuing two walks.
The Athletics got a home run from Nick Kurtz but have struggled mightily, being outscored 30-6 during a four-game losing skid. Rookie Henry Bolte provided a bright spot with three hits in his 15th major league game, setting a personal best.
Oakland’s troubles began early when starter Luis Severino (2-6) was forced to leave after the first inning due to right arm discomfort. The former Yankees pitcher allowed four unearned runs on three hits before experiencing soreness while warming up for the second frame, prompting a conversation with trainers and his removal from the game.
Against his former club, Severino’s record fell to 0-3 with a 9.88 ERA across four career starts.
New York’s explosive first inning was sparked by a throwing mistake from first baseman Kurtz.
Following a balk that advanced Rice to second base, Judge connected for an RBI single. Three batters later, Goldschmidt launched his three-run homer.
Kurtz responded immediately in the bottom half, connecting on a center field homer with one out to put the Athletics on the scoreboard.
The Yankees struck again in the second when Jose Caballero doubled with one out against Jose Suarez, moved to third on Trent Grisham’s single, and came home on Rice’s base hit.
McMahon extended the lead to 6-1 with two outs in the third, driving a homer to right-center field off Joel Kuhnel.
Another run crossed in the fourth as Grisham singled with one out, reached third on Rice’s double, and scored when Judge grounded out.
Rice capped his stellar night by crushing a homer to center field on Scott Barlow’s second pitch of the seventh inning.
The Athletics managed one final run in the ninth on Zack Gelof’s RBI single with one out.
