Bronx, NY– Juan Soto showcased his power with two home runs, while Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo also contributed long balls as the New York Yankees defeated the Seattle Mariners 7-3 on Wednesday night, halting their first two-game losing streak in three weeks.
Nelson Cortes (3-4) battled through five innings, keeping the Mariners scoreless, to secure the win for the AL-leading Yankees (34-17). The trio of homers from Soto and Judge all came as opposite-field shots off Bryce Miller (3-5).
Soto, who drove in three runs, enjoyed his second multi-homer game of the homestand, bringing his total to 13 homers and 40 RBIs for the season. Judge added to the offensive onslaught with his 14th homer of the season, continuing his impressive form since late April.
Despite the Yankees building a comfortable 5-0 lead, Seattle fought back in the eighth inning as Cal Raleigh smashed a three-run homer off Luke Weaver, ending his 18-inning scoreless streak. However, Verdugo responded with a two-run blast against Austin Voth in the bottom half to seal the victory.
In the first inning, Judge kickstarted the Yankees’ offense by launching a first-pitch slider into the right-field seats, setting the tone for the game. Soto followed suit in the third inning with a solo shot into the visitors’ bullpen and added another homer in the sixth inning off Miller’s first pitch.
The game also featured a light-hearted moment in the eighth inning when Judge, Soto, and Verdugo engaged in a cheering competition with different sections of the bleachers, energizing the crowd during a pitching change.
Cortes delivered a solid performance on the mound, allowing only three hits and three walks while striking out six Mariners. Despite Seattle’s efforts to run up his pitch count with 22 foul balls in the first three innings, Cortes maintained control and secured the win.
The Mariners’ offense was limited, with Mitch Garver’s third-inning drive falling just short of a home run, hitting the top of the left-field wall instead. Cortes’s strong home form continued, improving his record to 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA at home.
Tommy Kahnle made his season debut for the Yankees, pitching a perfect sixth inning after recovering from shoulder inflammation.
In other news, the Mariners made some roster moves, acquiring right-hander Mike Baumann and minor league catcher Michael Pérez from Baltimore for catcher Blake Hunt. Additionally, left-hander Jhonathan Díaz was called up from Triple-A Tacoma.
UP NEXT:
Looking ahead, RHP Luis Gil (5-1, 2.39 ERA) will start Thursday’s series finale for the Yankees, while RHP Luis Castillo (4-5, 3.28 ERA) takes the mound for the Mariners.
