David Bednar gets five outs for win in relief

With the Yankees’ bullpen reeling lately, Bednar entered this game with a three-run lead, one out, and the bases loaded in the eighth after Brent Headrick made a mess. He got out of that with just one run home on two lazy fly balls. Then, after the Yankees got him one more run of support after that, A.J. Ewing got him for a lead-off home run in the ninth to put the lead right back at two. The game hung in the balance just after with Juan Soto up just after, but Bednar forced him into a game-ending double play. It was his first time working more than an inning in nearly a month the trusted closer gears up for the playoffs.

The Yankees led 5-1 entering the ninth inning, but the Rockies scored two runs, creating a save situation. Bednar only faced Mickey Moniak and he struck him out to end the game. It was his 32nd save of the season. He has a 2.63 ERA.

Bednar likely would have gone back out for the 10th, but he was lifted after the Yankees scored five times in the inning. The win is Bednar’s 11th in 13 months with the Yankees. He totaled 13 in 298 appearances during his 4 1/2 years with the Pirates.

Bednar’s 31st save comes a week after he tallied his 30th save of the season. The veteran reliever needed only 12 pitches to get through the inning, forcing all three batters he faced to pop up to end the inning. He continues to be one of the more reliable closers in the game and has converted 15 of his last 16 opportunities.

Bednar allowed a double to Brandon Valenzuela to begin the inning but would retire the next three batters he faced. He struck out Brett Bateman to end any hopes the Blue Jays had of a comeback and picked up his 30th save of the season for the second time in his career. Bednar has converted seven of his eight save opportunities on the month and is 14-for-15 in save opportunities since July.

The save was Bednar’s 29th of the year as he closes in on 30 for only the second time in his career. He’s answered the bell as the Yankees’ full-time closer and owns a 2.40 ERA with five and a half weeks left in the regular season.

Bednar needed just eight pitches to get two strikeouts and a groundout. It’d be three appearances in four days if he worked again Wednesday after this, but since this was such a quick outing, the Yankees will probably allow it.

Bednar didn’t allow any hits or earned runs, but a passed ball with runners on base set up an Ernie Clement sac fly to tie the game in the ninth. He had been in line for a five-out save, and the defensive miscue cost Ryan Weathers the victory. Bednar still picked up the win himself once the Yankees came out on top in extras. He’s performed well in the closer role this season and will remain the favorite for save chances in the Bronx.

Bednar is tied for fifth in the majors in saves. Tonight’s ties him with fellow former Pirates closer Matt Capps for 105th place on the all-time list at 138.

Bednar was summoned in the top of the ninth inning to close out the game against the Braves with a two-run lead. He issued a walk and allowed a base hit that scored a run before recording the final out to secure the win and his 26th save of the season.