Yanks’ Sanchez hits walkoff homer
NEW YORK » Gary Sanchez hit a three-run homer off Fernando Rodney in the ninth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 Thursday to complete a four-game sweep and extend their winning streak to six.
New York was held hitless through five innings and trailed 3- 0 before Aaron Hicks’ sacrifice fly in the seventh. Didi Gregorius grounded to third leading off the ninth and reached second when Miguel Sano’s throw went wide for an error.
Giancarlo Stanton followed with a slow roller gloved by a charging Sano, who did not make a throw as Stanton crossed first with an infield hit.
Sanchez took a strike, then sent a fastball from Rodney (12) down the left-field line and into the lower deck. The Yankees
out of the dugout to mob the All- Star catcher as he crossed the plate.
New York finished an 8-2 homestand and has outscored opponents 47-13 during its winning streak.
Minnesota completed an 0-7 trip, its first winless road swing of at least seven games since Aug. 1016, 2001. The Twins have lost eight straight to New York, including last year’s AL wild- card game, and 13 of their last 14 at Yankee Stadium, counting the postseason.
Dellin Betances ( 1- 1) struck out the side on 13 pitches in the ninth for his first win since June 27. The big right-hander struggled to keep from flying open on his delivery during the second half last season and early this year, causing control problems.
Rodney (1-2) has blown three of five save chances.
Eduardo Escobar hit a two-run homer in the third on the ninth pitch of his atbat against Jordan Montgomery. Robbie Grossman, who had three hits, homered in sixth against Domingo German.
Montgomery needed 76 pitches to get through the first three innings and allowed four hits and three walks in five innings.
Twins starter Kyle Gibson struck out a career-high 10. He was perfect through three innings and didn’t allow a hit until Brett Gardner’s two- out single in the sixth. Gibson allowed just the one hit in six innings and was removed after 95 pitches.
Escobar was 8 for 22 with two homers and four RBIs on the trip. TRAINER’S ROOM Yankees: 3B Brandon Drury (severe migraines) will continue his rehab assignment when TripleA Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre returns to action Friday. ... OF Clint Frazier (concussion) was scheduled to play for Class A Tampa on Thursday after appearing in two extended spring training games. ... CF Jacoby Ellsbury (strained right oblique) is taking part in light baseball activities, including hitting off a tee. ... 1B Greg Bird (right ankle surgery) and OF Billy McKinney (sprained left shoulder) are headed to Tampa to continue baseball activity.