Jazz Chisholm Jr. broke a late tie with a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning, lifting the New York Yankees past the Washington Nationals 5-3 on Friday night, according to the Yankees.
What happened
Chisholm's blast in the ninth put New York back in front for good, closing out a 5-3 victory over Washington on July 10. The homer capped a back-and-forth contest that stayed level into the late innings before Chisholm's swing settled it.
Why it matters
The win keeps the Yankees rolling at 51-42 on the season, and Chisholm's go-ahead shot fits a lineup that's averaging 4.8 runs per game. New York has won its last game and will look to build on that momentum as it turns to the rubber match of the series against Washington, where the Yankees are listed as heavy favorites.
By the numbers
The Yankees are 51-42 overall, averaging 4.8 runs scored and 3.9 allowed per game, and have gone 3-2 over their last five. The Nationals sit at 48-46, averaging 5.4 runs scored but also 5.3 allowed, a split that showed up Friday as New York's pitching held the edge late. Friday's final was Yankees 5, Nationals 3.
What to watch next
The two clubs meet again Saturday, with New York favored at -199 and the total set at 9.0. A win would give the Yankees a series victory and extend their current momentum heading into the weekend.