BRONX, NY — The New York Yankees honored the legacy of longtime broadcaster John Sterling in fitting fashion Monday night, pairing an emotional pregame tribute with a dominant 12-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles to complete a four-game sweep in the Bronx.
Before first pitch, Yankee Stadium fell silent as players, coaches and fans paid tribute to Sterling, whose iconic voice defined generations of Yankees baseball. Broadcasters Michael Kay and Suzyn Waldman laid flowers at home plate, while the entire team stood together for the national anthem—a rare and powerful moment.
The Yankees paid tribute to the late great John Sterling who passed away at the age of 87 ahead of their matchup vs. the Orioles at Yankee Stadium Monday night in the Bronx – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Fans later echoed his legacy, with the Bleacher Creatures ending roll call with a “John Sterling” chant.
“It should be a celebration, not a mourning,” Waldman said pregame. “He lived life to the fullest.”
The Yankees then delivered a performance Sterling himself would have called with signature flair.
Aaron Judge wasted no time setting the tone, launching his 14th home run of the season in the first inning to give New York an early lead. Judge finished 2-for-4 with four RBI to continue his pace as the league’s top power hitters.
“It’s a pretty good advantage to have that guy coming up in the first inning,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s made ’em pay.”
Aaron Judge connected for a first-inning home run as Cam Schlittler tossed 5.2 innings of one-run ball with seven hits allowed and three walks with four strikeouts – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Right-hander Cam Schlittler backed the offense with another strong outing, though not without adversity. The rookie touched 101.3-MPH—the fastest pitch of his career—and consistently lit up the radar gun early. He allowed just one run over 5 2/3 innings, but battled command late, issuing three walks including one with the bases loaded.
“It’s frustrating… something you can control,” Schlittler said. “Just try not to collapse there in the sixth.”
Reliever Jake Bird was called upon to escape that jam and delivered, preserving the Yankees’ lead and shifting momentum firmly in their favor.
Jake Bird was amped up Monday night in the Bronx after escaping a bases loaded two out sixth inning jam – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
From there, the Yankees’ offense took over. Leading 3-1 entering the sixth, New York strung together quality at-bats, highlighted by an RBI from Ryan McMahon and José Caballero. The floodgates opened in the eighth inning, when the Yankees erupted for six runs, including a two-run single from Judge and a two-run triple by Cody Bellinger.
“The biggest thing is getting to the bullpen early,” Judge said. “That’s where you see big offensive explosions like that.”
Trent Grisham contributed two hard-hit doubles and scored three runs, while 2025 American League LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year Jasson Domínguez added an RBI as part of the late surge.
Jasson Domínguez, recording four RBI in the last two games (Sunday and Monday vs. the O’s), finished 1-4 at the plate Monday night with one walk, a RBI and run scored – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
The Yankees’ bullpen combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the win, as the team improved to 24-11 with a plus-76 run differential. Historically, that type of start has been a strong indicator of postseason success—each of the previous six Yankees teams to reach that mark advanced to the World Series.
With the victory, New York completed a dominant sweep, outscoring Baltimore 39-10 across four games and winning 14 of its last 16.
“We’ve got to close it out,” Judge said. “Tonight could be that one game that helps us win a division.”
As the final out was recorded, Sterling’s famous call echoed throughout Yankee Stadium—a perfect tribute to a night that blended remembrance with excellence.
“Ballgame over,” the speakers blared. “Theeeee Yankees win.”
The Yankees got the job done Monday night vs. the Orioles for John Sterling, an icon who will forever be remembered across the sports world – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
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