Cruz slides for key bunt out in Yankees' 3-2 win
New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz charged from the mound and slid to field a bunt in the eighth inning, throwing to third for an out in his team's 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. The play came with runners on first and second and the Rangers trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the frame at Globe Life Field. Cruz, who had been drafted as an infielder before converting to pitching, then struck out Jake Burger and pinch-hitter Ezequiel Duran to escape the inning.
Cleanup hitter Joc Pederson laid down the bunt, but Cruz glided into position feet-first toward third base. From his back, he fired the ball with force. Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon stretched to snag the one-hop throw, which beat hustling Rangers third baseman Josh Jung to the bag.
Aaron Judge later hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth -- his MLB-leading 12th of the season, tying Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami -- for a 3-0 lead. The Rangers scored twice in the bottom half but closer David Bednar induced a game-ending double play grounder from Corey Seager for the save.
The Yankees improved to 20-10, the best record in the American League. They host the Rangers (14-16) on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. ET seeking a series sweep.
