Cruz slides to nab bunt, helps Yankees beat Rangers
New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz charged the mound, slid to field a bunt and threw to third base for an out in the eighth inning of a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers on April 28, 2026, at Globe Life Field. The play came with runners on first and second and Joc Pederson at the plate, as Texas trailed 2-0. Third baseman Ryan McMahon caught Cruz's throw on the bounce to beat Josh Jung to the bag.
Cruz, drafted as an infielder before converting to pitching, demonstrated skills from his earlier career. Yankees captain Aaron Judge referenced Cruz's infield background after the game. "I think I might believe him now," Judge said. "We'll see. I need to see a couple more good plays like that. I'm more worried of having him just keep doing his thing on the mound. I think we'll be good."
Cruz struck out Jake Burger and pinch-hitter Ezequiel Duran for two more outs to end the inning. Aaron Judge hit a solo home run in the ninth, his MLB-leading 12th of the season, tying Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami and providing a 3-0 lead. The Rangers scored twice in the bottom of the ninth but Yankees closer David Bednar induced a game-ending double play from Corey Seager.
The victory improved New York to 20-10, the best record in the American League. The Yankees host the Rangers on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. ET for a chance to sweep the three-game series, with Texas at 14-16.
