Yankees Defeat A's in Series Opener

New York takes Game 1 with late-inning comeback

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:58am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Oakland A's and New York Yankees, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives capturing the energy and tension of the game.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic late-inning comeback by the New York Yankees against the Oakland A's.NYC Today

The New York Yankees defeated the Oakland A's 5-3 in the opening game of their three-game series at Yankee Stadium. The A's carried a 3-1 lead into the eighth inning, but the Yankees rallied for four runs in the bottom of the frame to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win extends the Yankees' strong start to the season and keeps them atop the AL East standings. For the A's, the late-inning collapse is a tough loss as they try to turn around their slow start to the year.

The details

The A's jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the third inning on a two-run double by first baseman Nick Kurtz. Starting pitcher Aaron Civale kept the Yankees in check through the first five innings, but the bullpen was unable to hold the lead. In the eighth inning, the Yankees scored four runs, capped by a go-ahead three-run home run from third baseman Amed Rosario. Closer David Bednar shut the door in the ninth to seal the win for the Yankees.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • First pitch was scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

The players

Amed Rosario

The Yankees' third baseman hit two home runs, including the go-ahead three-run shot in the eighth inning, to lead New York's comeback.

David Bednar

The Yankees' closer pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his fifth save of the season.

Aaron Civale

The A's starting pitcher threw five solid innings, allowing just one run, but the bullpen was unable to protect the lead.

Nick Kurtz

The A's first baseman gave his team a 2-1 lead with a two-run double in the third inning.

Mark Leiter Jr.

The A's relief pitcher took the loss after allowing four runs in the eighth inning.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to close out games like this. This one stings, but we'll regroup and come back ready to go tomorrow.”

— Mark Kotsay, A's Manager

What’s next

The A's and Yankees will continue their three-game series on Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Yankees' ability to mount late-inning comebacks, as well as the A's bullpen struggles so far this season. The result keeps the Yankees atop the AL East standings, while the A's will look to bounce back in Game 2.