Yankees fall to Red Sox 2-1 on June 14, 2025, despite Aaron Judge's 9th-inning HR & Carlos Rodón's gem. Read how Boston walked it off in extras.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic Fenway Park showdown defined by elite pitching, nail-biting tension, and ultimately, heartbreak. Despite a heroic ninth-inning home run from captain Aaron Judge and a dazzling start from Carlos Rodón, the New York Yankees fell 2-1 to the Boston Red Sox in 10 innings, a gut-punch loss that snapped their three-game winning streak right in the heart of enemy territory.
Aaron Judge has hit five home runs in his last five games, bringing his season total to 26 and tying him for the MLB lead.
For seven brilliant innings, Carlos Rodón owned the mound at Fenway. The lefty was in complete control, carving up the Red Sox lineup to the tune of eight strikeouts while allowing just two hits and a single run. He left the game with the Yankees trailing by a thread, having delivered a vintage performance that deserved a much better fate. It was the kind of dominant start that wins playoff games, but on this night, it resulted only in a no-decision, a frustrating outcome for one of the team's most reliable arms.
Just when it seemed the Yankees were destined for a quiet defeat, Aaron Judge did what he does best. With the team down to its final outs in the ninth inning, Judge launched a towering solo shot into the Boston night, his 26th of the season, to tie the game 1-1. The blast not only saved the game momentarily but also tied him for the Major League lead in home runs. It was another signature moment in what is shaping up to be another MVP-caliber season for the captain, who now boasts a staggering 1.265 OPS.
Judge's homer electrified the visiting dugout, but the momentum was short-lived. The Yankees' offense, which managed just four hits all night, couldn't muster another threat. The game went to the tenth, where Rafael Devers delivered a walk-off RBI single, sending the Fenway faithful into a frenzy and the Yankees back to the clubhouse with a bitter taste in their mouths. It was a painful reminder that in this rivalry, every missed opportunity is magnified.
The offensive silence underscored the need for another big bat, and help appears to be on the way. Giancarlo Stanton is reportedly nearing a return from the injured list, and his power will be a welcome addition to the lineup. His activation will create a tough roster decision for the front office. On the pitching side, however, the news was less encouraging. Reliever Jake Cousins, who has been battling a flexor strain all year, suffered a setback during a rehab assignment, making his timeline for a return completely uncertain.
While the big league club took a tough loss, the future continues to develop in the minor leagues. Top prospects George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones recently showcased their immense power potential by hitting back-to-back home runs. The system, ranked 21st in MLB, also saw new faces like catcher Jesus Rodriguez and righty Josh Grosz added to its Top 30 list, providing hope that the next wave of talent is on its way.
Losing a tight game to the Red Sox always stings, especially when it wastes brilliant performances from Rodón and Judge. But this team has shown its resilience all season. With Judge playing on another planet and Stanton's bat about to rejoin the lineup, the offense is poised for a boost. The Yankees will look to shake this one off and even the series tomorrow, proving that one tough loss in June won't derail their championship ambitions.