Cruz slides to nab bunt, aids Yankees' 3-2 win
New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz charged the mound and slid to field a bunt attempt by Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory Tuesday night at Globe Life Field. From his back, Cruz fired to third baseman Ryan McMahon, who stretched for the throw on the bounce to narrowly beat hustling Josh Jung for the out. The Rangers trailed 2-0 with runners on first and second at the time.
Cruz, drafted as an infielder before converting to pitching, drew comment from Yankees captain Aaron Judge on his fielding skills. "I think I might believe him now," Judge said with a smile of Cruz's infield background. "We'll see. I need to see a couple more good plays like that. I'm more worried of having him just keep doing his thing on the mound. I think we'll be good."
Cruz retired the next two batters on strikeouts against Jake Burger and pinch-hitter Ezequiel Duran to end the inning. Aaron Judge hit a solo home run in the ninth for his MLB-leading 12th of the season, tied with Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami, providing a 3-0 lead. The Rangers scored twice in the bottom of the ninth before closer David Bednar induced a game-ending double play from Corey Seager.
The Yankees improved to 20-10, the best record in the American League. They seek a three-game sweep against the 14-16 Rangers on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. ET.
