Yankees Beat Orioles 3-1 Behind Grisham’s Big Night

Baltimore — The New York Yankees grabbed a 3-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, thanks to a home run and a clutch two-run hit from Trent Grisham.

Game at a Glance

How It Happened: Play-by-Play for Beginners

1. Third Inning: Grisham Strikes First

• Trent Grisham stepped up to the plate and smashed his 17th home run of the season.
• A home run means he hit the ball out of the park — automatic run for the Yankees.
• Score: Yankees 1, Orioles 0

2. Fourth Inning: Orioles Answer Back

• Coby Mayo hit his 17th home run off Yankees starter Carlos Rodón.
• Rodón was making his first start in nearly two months after missing time with an inflamed elbow (that’s the throwing arm).
• Score: Tied 1–1

3. Seventh Inning: The Turning Point

• Orioles pitcher Shane Baz had been dealing — he struck out 10 batters (a season high!) in 6⅓ innings.
• But with two runners on base, he left the game.
• Josh Walker came in to pitch.
• He walked Paul Goldschmidt (let him walk to first base for free).
• He struck out Amed Rosario (got him out swinging).
• Then Grisham lined a single to center field — two runs scored!
• Score: Yankees 3, Orioles 1

4. Eighth & Ninth Innings: Yankees Lock It Down

• Paul Blackburn pitched a clean 8th inning.
• David Bednar closed the 9th perfectly for his 28th save (a save = finishing a close game to protect the lead).

Meet the Key Players

Trent Grisham (Yankees)

• Hit a solo home run (1 run)
• Hit a two-run single (2 runs)
• 3 RBIs total (Runs Batted In = runs created by your hit)
• Second multi-RBI game in a week!

Yerry De los Santos (Yankees)

• Pitched 2 perfect innings in relief (came in after the starter)
• Got the win (1–0) — first of his career!

Shane Baz (Orioles)

• Struck out 10 batters — his best game this year
• But gave up 3 runs and took the loss (4–13)

Carlos Rodón (Yankees)

• First start since late June (elbow inflammation)
• Went 4 innings, gave up 1 run (Mayo’s HR)
• Big step forward in his comeback

Why This Game Mattered

Important Points

• Yankees (70–55): Hold the top AL Wild Card spot — that’s a playoff ticket if the season ended today.
• They’re 6 games behind Tampa Bay for the AL East division lead.
• Orioles (61–65): Fell to 2 straight losses after being in a 3-way tie for the final Wild Card spot.
• Every game counts in the playoff race!

What’s Next?

• Warren had a rough last start: 4 innings, 3 HRs, 5 runs, 4 walks.
• Bassitt is making just his 2nd start since back surgery in late June.

Summary

The Yankees beat the Orioles 3–1 behind Trent Grisham’s heroics — a home run and a go-ahead two-run single. Yerry De los Santos earned his first career win in relief. Carlos Rodón returned from injury and looked solid. The Yankees stay in the driver’s seat for a Wild Card spot, while the Orioles slip further back in a tight race. Next up: Will Warren vs. Chris Bassitt on Wednesday.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. What’s a “Wild Card” in baseball?

It’s a playoff spot for teams that don’t win their division but have one of the best records among the rest. There are three Wild Card spots per league (American & National).

2. What does “ERA” mean?

Earned Run Average — the average number of runs a pitcher gives up per 9 innings. Lower is better. Warren’s 4.42 and Bassitt’s 5.11 are both a bit high.

3. Why was Rodón out so long?

He had inflammation in his throwing elbow — basically, his arm was swollen and painful. He needed rest and rehab before pitching again.

4. What’s a “save”?

A save goes to a relief pitcher who finishes a close game (usually leading by 3 runs or less) and protects the win. Bednar has 28 this year — that’s a lot!

5. What’s a “pinch hitter”?

A player who bats in place of another player, usually in a key moment. Goldschmidt and Rosario were pinch hitters in the 7th inning.

Source: AP MLB Coverage