Braves' 8-Game Streak Ends in 3-2 Yankees Loss as Mahle Fans 9 in Debut

Q: How did George Lombard Jr. become the unexpected spark in New York’s win, and has he earned a bigger role now?

George Lombard Jr. was the unexpected spark because he directly ignited both phases of the Yankees’ comeback. In the ninth, with New York down 2-0 and hitless in the biggest moments, he beat out a swinging bunt and then hustled to third when Raisel Iglesias threw the ball away. That instantly turned a dead inning into a scoring chance, setting up Austin Wells’ RBI double and Ben Rice’s game-tying hit. In the 10th, Lombard showed patience beyond his experience, working a full-count walk to load the bases before Ryan McMahon’s winning sacrifice fly. He also contributed on defense with a key play in the hole that helped protect the game earlier. Yes, he has earned a bigger role, and the Yankees already appear to see it that way. This was not an isolated flash: he arrived as the club’s top prospect, had already homered in his major league debut, and was promoted because the Yankees believed his all-around game gave them a better chance to win in a pennant race. Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman have both pointed to his maturity, defensive readiness and improving bat, and the organization was willing to option Anthony Volpe to create runway for him. That does not mean he is guaranteed stardom overnight, but it does mean he has earned more starts and meaningful opportunities now. Given his defense, poise and ability to impact close games even without a big hit, Lombard has quickly made a strong case to stay in the lineup regularly.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 8

Atlanta’s eight-game surge stopped in a 3-2 extra-inning loss at Yankee Stadium, wasting Tyler Mahle’s strong Braves debut.
Mahle worked six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out nine after arriving just before the trade deadline.
The Braves managed only two runs, their bullpen failed to hold the lead, and New York completed the comeback in extras.
Atlanta will try to split the series Saturday behind Chris Sale, while the game also underscored why the club had explored more pitching help before the deadline.