League date: March 28, 2027

PITTSBURGH, PA — The New York Yankees stormed back in the ninth inning behind Aaron Judge’s towering three-run home run to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-7 at PNC Park, clinching the rubber match of the three-game series.

The Pirates appeared poised for the series victory after a three-run eighth inning turned a 5-4 deficit into a 7-5 lead. The rally was capped by Bryan Reynolds, who lined an RBI single to left to put Pittsburgh two runs from victory.

But the Yankees’ star-studded lineup had one final answer.

Pittsburgh summoned closer Bryan Abreu, who retired the first two batters before issuing walks to José Caballero and Mike Trout. Judge then stepped to the plate and demolished a 2-1 fastball 442 feet over the center-field wall, giving New York an 8-7 lead with his dramatic three-run homer.

Yankees closer Robert Suárez made sure the comeback held, retiring the Pirates in order in the bottom of the ninth to secure both the victory and the series.

Game Notes

• Bubba Chandler exited after four innings with a strained oblique, dealing an early blow to Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.
• The game featured five lead changes.
• Yankees starter Carlos Rodón allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out six over five innings, receiving a no-decision.
• New York’s offense was powered by four home runs from Judge, Cody Bellinger, Ryan McMahon, and Giancarlo Stanton.