League date: June 24, 2027

BRONX, NY — One swing from Cody Bellinger prevented the New York Yankees from suffering a four-game sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium.

Detroit had taken the first three games of the series and appeared headed for the sweep after carrying a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning. But the Yankees finally broke through, scoring in the sixth and seventh before Bellinger’s walk-off solo home run in the ninth lifted New York to a 3-2 victory.

Framber Valdez gave the Tigers eight strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out nine. With regular closer Matt Svanson unavailable after needing a rest day, Detroit turned to Will Vest in the bottom of the ninth.

Vest faced just one batter.

Bellinger jumped on a hanging pitch and crushed it 411 feet to right field, ending the game and allowing New York to escape the series with one victory.

Detroit built its early lead behind Yandy Díaz’s 25th home run of the season and an RBI single from Gavin Lux.

The Yankees began their comeback in the sixth when Ben Rice launched his 16th homer of the season. An inning later, José Caballero delivered a two-out RBI single to tie the game at 2-2, setting the stage for Bellinger’s heroics in the ninth.

AS IT STANDS…

The Tigers’ recent surge has lifted them into first place in the AL Central, but the Cleveland Guardians have won four straight to pull within one game of Detroit.

The Yankees, meanwhile, increased their AL East lead to 4½ games over the Baltimore Orioles, who closed the day on a four-game losing streak.

New York and Detroit won’t have to wait long for a rematch. The two clubs meet again next week at Comerica Park to close out June.