Anthony Rizzo ended a long stretch without hitting a home run by smashing a two-run shot in the first inning, contributing to the New York Yankees’ 4-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night.
After being shut out the previous day, the Yankees quickly fell behind when Seth Brown drove in a run with a double in the opening inning against Marcus Stroman (2-1).
Giancarlo Stanton then put the Yankees ahead with a two-RBI double against Paul Blackburn (2-1), before Rizzo’s homer, his first since April 7, added two more runs.
Blackburn had managed to keep opponents from hitting home runs in his four prior starts this season.
Rizzo, who had struggled with just one extra-base hit in 54 at-bats before this home run, expressed his relief, saying, “Every time I go up to the plate, I just try to have good at-bats.”
Despite the early lead, the Yankees struggled offensively for the remainder of the game, managing only one hit over the final eight innings.
Stroman struck out nine batters over 5 2/3 innings, his highest number of strikeouts in a game since August 17, 2021.
The Athletics attempted to rally with homers from Shea Langeliers in the second inning and Lawrence Butler in the fourth, but the Yankees’ bullpen shut them down, with Clay Holmes securing his ninth save of the season.
Blackburn pitched well after the first inning, allowing only one hit over his last six innings of work. Despite his efforts, the Athletics couldn’t capitalize on their chances to turn the game around.
