Red Sox Rally to Defeat Yankees in Thrilling Finish

BOSTON (AP) — In a dramatic showdown at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox triumphed over the New York Yankees 9-7, thanks to a pivotal two-run single by Masataka Yoshida in the eighth inning. The game featured a standout moment from Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who launched a remarkable 470-foot home run, prompting admiration from Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “That’s about as clean as you can hit a baseball,” Boone remarked, reflecting on Judge's impressive performance. The Red Sox, trailing 7-5, saw Ceddanne Rafaela narrow the gap with a two-run homer that soared over the Green Monster, setting the stage for Yoshida's clutch hit. Yankees reliever Clay Holmes, making only his second appearance since mid-July, struggled under pressure, allowing Wilyer Abreu's tying double that shifted the momentum in favor of Boston. The Yankees, now 60-45, have faced a tough stretch, losing five of their last six games. Bailey Horn earned his first major league win after securing three outs, while veteran closer Kenley Jansen recorded his 20th save of the season, marking the 440th of his illustrious career. Yankees starter Nestor Cortes had a challenging outing, surrendering four runs and a season-high nine hits over 4 2/3 innings, leaving him winless in his last 11 starts away from Yankee Stadium. As the Yankees grapple with their recent struggles, Boone acknowledged the team's difficulties, stating, “It’s a tough stretch, a tough month, a tough two months.” The Red Sox's victory adds to the ongoing rivalry's excitement as both teams navigate their respective seasons.