BASEBALL: Orioles spoil Yankees pitching gem with late homer

Coby Mayo delivered a decisive three-run home run as the Baltimore Orioles edged the visiting New York Yankees, 3-2, on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Mayo’s blast came on the third pitch he saw from reliever Brent Headrick after starter Ryan Weathers had kept Baltimore hitless through six-plus innings. The late swing proved to be the turning point in a game where offense was limited on both sides.

Despite recording only three hits, Baltimore secured back-to-back wins and improved after a difficult stretch in which they had dropped 10 of 12 games. The victory also served as payback after being swept by New York earlier in the month.

The Yankees briefly held the advantage behind a two-run home run from Ben Rice, but the offense stalled from there. New York dropped its fourth straight game despite several scoring opportunities.

Weathers dominated much of the night, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning before Adley Rutschman opened the frame with a single. After a walk to Tyler O’Neill, Weathers was pulled from the game. Mayo, a late addition to the lineup as the designated hitter, then connected for his fourth home run of the season off Headrick.

Dietrich Enns earned the win with 1 2/3 innings of relief work, while Anthony Nunez closed out the ninth for his second save. Baltimore starter Brandon Young allowed two runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings.

For New York, Weathers struck out nine across 6 1/3 innings but was charged with the loss after the bullpen surrendered the lead. Rice provided most of the early offense, also recording a single in addition to his home run.

The Yankees had additional chances but failed to capitalize. Aaron Judge led off the sixth with a double and reached third with one out but was left stranded. Max Schuemann also doubled in the seventh but did not score, as Baltimore’s pitching staff held firm to preserve the win. -Field Level Media/Reuters