Yankees mount improbable comeback for second straight walkoff win

For the second straight day the New York Yankees won an extra-inning game in walkoff fashion as they generated a memorable comeback from four runs down in the 13th inning to tie and eventually won on an error in the 14th inning by a score of 10-9 against the Oakland Athletics.

It was the Yankees seventh straight win and helped them maintain a one-game lead in the American League East standings as the Baltimore Orioles won their sixth straight in yet another win in extra innings defeating the Boston Red Sox.

The A’s got to Yankees starter Ivan Nova for two runs in the top of the first inning, but the Yankees stormed back with three in the bottom half to give Nova back the lead. Nova pitched nothing like he did in his initial start back from the disabled list lasting only 2 1/3 innings allowing five hits (including a homer) and two walks. Yankees manager Joe Girardi did not like what he saw from the young right-hander and gave him a quick hook.

Eduardo Nunez is congratulated by teammates after reaching on a error as the Yankees won their second straight game in walkoff fashion. (Image: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE)

The Yankees would give up the lead a few times in this game, but had a multiple chances to win the contest but couldn’t get the go-ahead run across. They finished 4-for-17 with runners in scoring position.

In the top of the 13th the wheels came off the cart for Freddy Garcia who had tossed three scoreless innings heading into the frame. He allowed a two-run pinch-hit homer to Jonny Gomes and then a solo shot to Yoenis Cespedes. Justin Thomas coughed up a solo homer to Chris Carter to give the A’s a 9-5.

The Yankees remained focused and pieced together a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the inning. The Yanks stroked three straight singles beginning with Ichiro Suzuki who is now 14 for this last 20. He came around to score on a wild pitch. Eduardo Nunez lofted a sacrifice fly scoring Alex Rodriguez and then Raul Ibanez hit his second homer of the day driving in Robinson Cano to knot the game at 9-9.

After Cory Wade threw a scoreless top of the 14th the Yankees received a single by Eric Chavez to open the bottom half of the frame. He was replaced on the bases by Melky Mesa, who was making his Major League debut. Mesa moved to second on a sac bunt by Derek Jeter. Suzuki was intentionally walked and Rodriguez then singled up the middle, but Mesa missed the bag rounding third and had to go back. Cano grounded into a fielder’s choice for the second out. Nunez hit a squibber with topspin on it to first baseman Brandon Moss and he couldn’t handle it allowing Suzuki to score the winning run.

In today’s series finale the Yankees (88-63) have Hiroki Kuroda (14-10, 3.26 ERA) toeing the rubber, while the Athletics counter with A.J. Griffin (6-1, 2.45 ERA).