Santander’s 3-run HR in the ninth takes the Orioles 9-6 to the Yankees

BALTIMORE – Anthony Santander hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning against Lucas Luetge and the Baltimore Orioles avoided a four-game sweep by beating the New York Yankees 9-6 on Thursday.

New York lost only for the second time in 11 games and remains the best 28-10 in the Major Leagues. The Yankees fell to 18-1 by scoring five or more runs this season.

The Yankees reached their final out in the ninth when DJ LeMahieu hit a single drive in front of closeer Jorge Lopez who tied at 6.

The Orioles responded when Austin Hays made a throwing error from third baseman Josh Donaldson, who had a pinch in the top half of the inning. One out later, Trey Mancini made a single and Santander followed with a boost to the left field for his seventh homer of the season.

When Santander connected, he had a long way to go: the only question was whether he would be right or wrong, and he was easily inside the post at Camden Yards.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a homer on the left field wall, which has retreated 26 1/2 feet since last year and which New York hitters Aaron Judge called this series a “parody.” Stanton became the Orioles’ first rival to clear that fence. He has 11 homers and leads the league with 35 drives.

Announcement

Felix Bautista (1-1) picked up the Orioles victory.

Orioles reliever Bryan Baker came in with a jam-packed base and no outs in the sixth. He coached Gleyber Torres and Aaron Hicks before allowing a two-run single to Isiah Kiner-Falefa that increased New York’s lead to 5-3.

The Orioles responded in the bottom half with a Tyler Nevin-driven single, a sacrifice fly for Cedric Mullins and a Rougned Odor single against Chad Green that gave Baltimore a 6-5 lead.

Green then left the game with discomfort in his right forearm and will be re-evaluated on Friday.

The Yankees took a 2-0 lead in the first against Orioles left-hander Bruce Zimmermann with a Stanton-driven single on the left field wall.

The Orioles tied at 2 in the second in Robinson Chirinos’ two-run shot against Yankees left-hander Jordan Montgomery. It was the first home run by a Baltimore receiver at home this season.

Baltimore took the lead in the third when Anthony Santander doubled and scored on a Jorge Mateo single.

Announcement

It was only the second time Montgomery had allowed more than two runs in eight outings this season.

Stanton delivered again and tied the game with a solo shot in the quarter that went 392 feet.

EXPULSION

Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo was sent off in the seventh for arguing with referee Manny Gonzalez after a swing.

DEFENSE

The Orioles converted a double play in the second, third and seventh innings and lead the league with 49.

COACHING ROOM

Yankees: DE Tim Locastro (back strain) is progressing well, swinging the bat and hitting a tee, but there is no timeline for when he will return to the lineup.

Orioles: 1B Ryan Mountcastle (left wrist, forearm) will likely leave IL Saturday.

THE NEXT

Yankees: LHP Nestor Cortes (2-1, 1.35) ERA will begin the first game of the series on Friday against the Chicago White Sox and LHP Dallas Keuchel (2-3, 5.54). Cortez has allowed two runs won or less in each of his seven outings this season.

Announcement

Orioles: RHP Tyler Wells (1-3, 4.18 ERA) opens the series against the Tampa Bay Rays and LHP Jalen Beeks (1-0, 1.72). Wells has an effectiveness of 7.04 in his five career games (one outing) against the Rays.

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