Reynolds’ Double Homers Edge Pirates Past Yankees in Crucial Playoff Match

Bryan Reynolds outshined himself in Friday night’s game, slamming two homers, including a decisive two-run shot in the eighth inning that catapulted the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-2 win over the Yankees. The victory disrupted the Yankees’ plans to secure home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs.

Chisholm Jr.’s Two-Run Single Takes Yankees to Early Lead

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s two-run single had initially given the Yankees a head start in the fifth inning, but the Pirates’ Nick Gonzales and Bryan Reynolds retaliated with back-to-back homers off Carlos Rodón in the sixth. Pirates manager Derek Shelton recalled his conversation with Reynolds, asking if he had ever hit two at Yankee Stadium. The answer was no, until Friday’s game.

Reynolds’ Victory Lap

Following his second homer against Tommy Kahnle (0-2), Reynolds’ triumphant return to the dugout was marked by a comment that the manager would remember: “Yeah, so have I now,” the player said. This marked Reynolds’ second multi-homer game of the season and the seventh in his professional career. With 24 homers and 88 RBIs, he stands as the Pirates’ leading player.

Pirates’ Pitchers Shutdown Yankees in Order

The impressive lineup of Joey Wentz, Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski (5-5), Dennis Santana, and former Yankee Aroldis Chapman (13th save in 18 chances) worked in harmony to retire the last 14 Yankees in order. The Yankees’ hope of securing home-field advantage in the League Championship Series now hinges on their performance in the last two games or a loss from Cleveland in their final two matches.

Carlos Rodón’s Performance

Despite yielding two runs, four hits, and four walks in 5 1/3 innings, Rodón managed to finish 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA. This was a significant turnaround from his injury-plagued 2023 season, which saw him finish with a career-worst 6.85 ERA after signing a $162 million, six-year contract. Rodón’s season has been marked by a career-high 31 homers, with 23 of them being solo shots.

Yankees’ Key Players Rested

Following their AL East title win, the Yankees decided to rest their star players, including Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, and Austin Wells. Yankees manager Aaron Boone toyed with the idea of using Judge and Stanton as pinch hitters in the ninth inning but ultimately decided against it.

Pirates’ Rookie Jones’ Performance

Pittsburgh rookie Jared Jones gave up two runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings, reaching impressive speeds of 100 mph on four pitches. Despite missing eight weeks due to a strained lat muscle, the 23-year-old right-hander ended with a 6-8 record and a 4.14 ERA, striking out 132 in 121 2/3 innings.

Chisholm’s Career High

Chisholm stole two bases to reach a career-high 40 steals. “It’s a number that we were aiming for all year, 40 bags,” he expressed proudly.

Yankees’ Health Update

Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu, who has been out since Sept. 3 with right hip impingement, is looking to resume baseball activities soon. Meanwhile, RHP Jake Cousins, on the mend from a right pec strain since Sept. 19, played catch on Friday for the first time since his injury.

What’s Next?

The next match sees Paul Skenes (11-3, 1.99), a top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, make his 23rd and final start. Luis Gil (15-6, 3.27) is set to start for the Yankees.