Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s home run in the bottom of the eighth inning proved to be the difference as the New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 on Sunday, avoiding a doubleheader sweep.
The Yankees' offense struggled for much of the second game, but Chisholm's blast off Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips tied the game and ultimately secured the win.
Chisholm's late-game heroics have come in crucial moments for the Yankees this season. This was the second time in their last six games that he hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning or later.
Despite the offensive challenges, the Yankees managed to split the doubleheader. They finished the day 1 1/2 games behind the Rays for first place in the AL East, their closest standing since late June.
In the second game, the Yankees took an early lead in the first inning when Paul Goldschmidt doubled and later scored on Cody Bellinger's single. However, they failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities, going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position throughout the game.
The Dodgers tied the game in the top of the eighth inning when pinch hitter Tommy Edman hit a solo home run off reliever Fernando Cruz. Cruz subsequently issued two walks, prompting the Yankees to bring in David Bednar, who managed to get out of the inning by striking out Shohei Ohtani and getting Andy Pages to pop out.
After Chisholm's go-ahead home run, Bednar closed out the ninth inning, retiring the next three batters after walking Freddie Freeman to start the frame.
The Yankees' offensive struggles were also evident in the first game of the doubleheader, where they were shut down by Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched a complete game. The Dodgers also had strong pitching performances from Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Blackburn, and Brent Headrick in the nightcap before the bullpen faltered.
Key offensive sequences for the Yankees in the second game included loading the bases in the fifth inning with no outs but failing to score against Brock Stewart, and stranding runners in scoring position in the first and fourth innings.
Chisholm's season has been a point of discussion for the Yankees lineup, especially in the absence of Aaron Judge. However, his recent clutch hitting has provided much-needed support.