About Last Afternoon: Yankees 3, Rangers 2
- Tamar Chalker
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
About Last Afternoon: Yankees 3, Rangers 2
By Tamar Chalker
August 7, 2025
***
Looking to stop a five-game losing skid, the Yankees found themselves needing a big win in Texas on Wednesday afternoon. Carlos Rodón made the start for the Yankees, once again being called on to stop the bleeding. He put together a decent outing, but the bullpen locked it down, with a noteworthy, five-out save by David Bednar. There has been a lot of ugly Yankee baseball lately, but this game was a bit better. Some solid defensive plays and timely hitting gave New York a needed 3-2 win over the Rangers, giving them something to celebrate as they head back to the Bronx, where they will host the Astros this coming weekend.
Quick Stats -
Carlos Rodón went five innings, giving up two runs on four walks, three strikeouts, and six hits.
Jack Leiter, starting for Texas, only lasted 3.1 innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on four walks, three hits, and three Ks.
Ezequiel Duran was the catalyst for much of the Rangers' offense, going 3-3 with two runs scored.
Paul Goldschmidt ended his home run drought with a pinch-hit solo shot that put the Yankees in the lead for good.
David Bednar picked up his 18th save of the season, going 1.2 innings, allowing just one hit and two walks, while striking out five. His 42 pitches were the most he has thrown in one outing since at least 2022.
Player of the Game -
Bednar with a gutsy performance on the mound, he gave the Yankees exactly what they needed. After walking the first batter he saw in the eighth, he came back and struck out two batters to get out of trouble. The ninth started with two more strikeouts before a walk to Corey Seager and a single by Marcus Semien gave the Rangers some hope. Bednar came back and struck out Adolis García, however, to close out the game.
Notable Performances -
Goldy came up big with a pinch-hit solo homer that ended up being the difference in the game. He almost hit another one to the same part of the park in his second at bat, but he was just under the ball.
Better to Forget -
I actually don't think I have anyone for this game. I mean, there are people you could certainly make a case for, but I feel like everyone contributed in some way. Jasson Dominguez didn't have a hit, but made a heads-up baserunning play on a double steal that got him across the plate. Jazz Chisholm didn't have a great day at the plate, but was part of three defensive double plays and really just missed a grand slam in the seventh.
My Take:
Holding onto a half-game lead over Texas for the last spot in the American League Wild Card race, the Yankees found themselves playing a pretty pivotal game for early August. I don't know if that was what got them to shake off some of their funk, or if it was Judge picking up his first hit since he returned from injury, or what, but they looked focused.
This team has made a lot of bone-headed plays this season, whether it is in the field or on the bases. On Wednesday, they were flashing the leather a bit. Three double-plays, each of which was beautiful to watch, really helped them keep the Rangers at bay. The only low point would have been Ben Rice, having moved to catcher late in the game due to other substitutions, getting called for catcher's interference. Texas managed to load the bases after that, but the Yankees escaped unscathed.
It was good to see Judge pick up a solid single as he makes his way back from injury. It sounds like he definitely isn't 100% yet, but he is making progress.
Bednar was exciting to watch. Perhaps the Yankees will soon have a solution to their bullpen woes this season.
Next Up -
The Yankees have today off, but will send Cam Schlittler to the mound on Friday. The young righty will make his fifth start. He is currently 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA and 21 Ks over 19.2 innings. Houston has Hunter Brown slated to start. The young righty is 9-5 this year with a 2.47 ERA and 155 Ks in 131 innings. He is coming off a seven-inning appearance against Boston where he allowed one run on four hits and a walk while striking out six. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
Bruce Bochy was incredibly aggressive in yesterday's finale of the three game series in Texas. Jack Leiter was a bit wild, but there was no apparent reason to pull him so early based upon performance. He's an ace in the making. However, Bochy sensed the game was on the line in the 4th inning and didn't hesitate to bring in LHP Hoby Milner in relief to stomp out a rally that had produced two Yankee runs and had Volpe still at 3rd, McMahon at 1st and one out. The Yankee lineup was filled with LH bats against Leiter, which I'm ok with given the RH bats the NYY's now have available off the bench. Wells-Grisham & Rice were scheduled up…
Two more points on how this game closed out. I've seen enough to know Bednar MUST now be installed as the Closer for the balance of the season. Devin Williams has been ineffective to the point of costing the Yankees easily 4-5 games. Williams can walk at the end of the season. I say, "Let him!" Doval and Weaver would both rank ahead of Williams in the pecking order as far as I'm concerned. We owe Williams nothing at this point - he's had every opportunity to establish himself as the Closer. We are out of time. Bednar's under contract for 2026, so get this done immediately!
As for Bednar's usage last night - 42 pitches is the most he's…
Rodon was fortunate that his own fielding woes didn't cost him and the NYY's this game.
With one out and nobody on in the first, Cory Seager hit a slow tapper along the 1b line. Rodon had the only shot at making a play on the ball. Weirdly, after finishing his delivery (finishing on the 3b side of the hill and with his back turned toward Homeplate) Carlos saw the ball out of the corner of his eye, and rather than coming to a stop and running directly towards the ball along the opposite foul line, he did a clockwise pirouette, spinning to re-route himself to the 1b line. Instead of just putting the ball in his pocket, which was…
We said it a many times this season (and probably the last 5 or 6 seasons), but they can not continue to need 12 outs (+) every night from the Bull Pen. The starters need to carry their load better and pick up their teammates. Friday in Miami Rodon went 4 2/3 & Yesterday he went 5. That is not good enough, especially for a guy making $27mm a season.
Saw Ben Hess make hi AA debut last night. Ran out of gas in the 5th, and got pulled leaving runners on 1st and 2nd, and the reliever let both score. Since he restarted pitching (didn't pitch for about 3 weeks in May but stayed on the active roster), he generally has only gone about 4 IP max. But another one with easy gas. after his first 30 pitchers or so, he had trouble pounding the zone.. first 27 pitches, 18 strikes and finished with about 81 pitches but only 47 pitches - almost 50/50. I got told a few years ago that the Yankees supposedly teach these kids command, but I didn't see it then, and still don't…