NEW YORK — The Yankees had a chance to lock up a series win against the rival Orioles on Wednesday, but they coughed up a lead and lost, 6-3, after rookie Randy Vásquez shined in his third major league start.
The Yankees scored twice in the fifth thanks to a solo shot from Josh Donaldson — his ninth home run of the year — and an RBI single from Kyle Higashioka. But things took a scary turn in between the runs, as an errant throw from Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson sailed into the camera well next to the Yankees dugout and struck YES Network cameraman Pete Stendel in the head.
The Yankees’ in-dugout personnel immediately rushed to help Stendel and passed towels his way as players and coaches watched in fear. A first aid team ultimately carried Stendel off on a stretcher and golf cart.
Fortunately, he was able to throw up a peace sign on his way off the field as fans chanted “MVP.” The scary situation created a 17-minute game delay.
Once play resumed, the Orioles answered right back in the sixth.
With Vásquez no longer in the game, Baltimore plated four runs off relievers Nick Ramirez and Michael King. Colton Cowser’s first major league hit, a single, gave the O’s their first run, while a Jordan Westburg triple — lined past a diving Jake Bauers in left — drove in a pair.
Westburg then scored on a grounder from Adam Frazier.
Baltimore’s big sixth spoiled a stellar performance from Vásquez, who threw five scoreless innings. He only allowed three hits while walking three and striking out one over 75 pitches.
Vásquez, 24, has pitched well when the Yankees have needed him for a spot start. The right-hander now has a 1.17 ERA over 15 1/3 major league innings despite owning a 5.11 mark at Triple-A this season.
MLB.com considers Vásquez to be the Yankees’ 12th-best prospect.
Anthony Volpe added a solo dinger of his own in the eighth inning, but the Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn smacked a two-run insurance homer, hit off Ian Hamilton, in the ninth.
Orioles starter Dean Kremer enjoyed an impressive outing as well, as he struck out 10 Yankees, setting a new career high. The right-hander only allowed one earned run and four hits while totaling seven innings. Kremer also walked one while throwing 103 pitches.
The Yankees now own a 2-1 lead in this four-game series, and they can take the set on Thursday night. A rebound from Luis Severino, their probable starter, would certainly help.
The righty allowed seven earned runs to the Cardinals his last time out, and he’s mostly struggled over his last six starts. While Severino threw six scoreless innings two turns ago, he’s allowed 26 earned runs over 28 2/3 innings since June 2. He has a 6.30 ERA this season.
Kyle Bradish, who owns a 3.58 ERA, will start the series finale for Baltimore.
