Bednar Secures First Save for Yankees, Ending Five-Game Losing Streak
ARLINGTON, Texas – David Bednar made a significant impact in his new role with the New York Yankees, securing his first save and halting a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.
In a standout performance, Bednar struck out the final five batters he faced, showcasing his skills under pressure. The decisive strikeout came with two runners on base, following a visit from manager Aaron Boone, who initially intended to replace him. "I said, 'I'm going to take you here.' And he gave me a look like, no you're not," Boone recounted. "He absolutely wanted the ball and felt like his stuff was still there. ... What a great, gutsy effort."
This marked Bednar's 18th save of the season and his third appearance for the Yankees (61-54), who currently hold the American League's third wild-card spot, just ahead of Texas. After this game, the Yankees will enjoy a day off before facing the AL West-leading Houston Astros in a three-game series at home.
Bednar's performance included two strikeouts to close out the eighth inning and two more to start the ninth. However, after issuing a walk to Corey Seager and allowing Marcus Semien to hit a single, Bednar found himself in a challenging situation with cleanup hitter Adolis García stepping up to the plate. "I was just kind of getting my mind right to face García," Bednar explained. "I told (Boone) I wanted him and, you know, he agreed. And I just wanted to bear down and get that last one."
Ultimately, Bednar struck out García, finishing with a season-high 42 pitches—his most since throwing 43 in an eight-out save for the Pirates against St. Louis on June 15, 2022. This was the third time this season he recorded five outs in a game, and notably, it was his second such effort since joining the Yankees.
"That was awesome, especially that last one," said Paul Goldschmidt, who contributed a pinch-hit solo homer in the seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie. "To go out there and make those pitches was huge."
