New York Yankees Aaron Judge makes contact in the top of the fifth inning at the Oakland Coliseum against the Oakland A’s in the Yankees last appearance in Oakland on Sun Sep 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Last Marquee series between the Oakland Athletics (67-89) and the New York Yankees (92-64) at the 58-year old Alameda County based stadium, ended in dominating fashion (3-0) for the visitors, 7-4 in front of 24,663.

The Athletics tried to avoid the sweep by the team from the Empire State, by getting on the board first. They were shutout 10-0 in Saturday Night’s contest, and 4-2 victims in extra innings Friday Evening.

In the bottom of the first inning, A’s first baseman Tyler Soderstrom hit a two run double, knocking in teammates JJ Bleday and Shea Langeliers, to put the home team up by two. After a full inning, the A’s led 2-0, and were in a better scenario that the previous night game,

However, that excitement was extremely short lived, as the Yankees came right back in the top of the second inning. New York left fielder Jason Dominguez belted a two run homer, plating himself and Jazz Chisholm Jr. The score was tied at two within a half inning.

The third inning had a local homeboy break the tie. Yankees Aaron Judge launched a deep center field solo home run (55) to put his Bronx Bombers up 3-2. His Honor also expressed his disappointment of this being his last game in Oakland, with all the history of the facility and his personal great memories.

The Linden, California native is the odds on favorite for AL MVP, while Shohei Ohtani is the equivalent player for the National League. Especially with his 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases record breaking accomplishment. Judge did not really pat himself on his own back, but did praise the Japanese sensation in Los Angeles.

Later in the top of the fifth inning, the Yankees extended their lead to three runs. Second baseman Gleyber Torres hit a solo shot, Chisholm Jr. knocked in Juan Soto, on a deep sacrifice fly. Through five, New York was up 5-2, and in the proverbial driver’s seat.

Oakland was not done with their comeback attempt; they scored another two runs in the bottom of the sixth frame. Ryan Noda came in as a pinch-hitter and promptly belted a two run double, which brought the swinging A’s back within one run. Soderstrom and Gelof crossed the plate respectively. At 5-4, the Oakland faithful had something to cheer about.

Shortly thereafter, New York struck again. Designated hitter Giancarlo hit an RBI double knocked in Judge, and put his squad back up by two, 6-4. The Yankees added one more and final run in the top of the ninth inning. Yankees’ second baseman Austin Wells slapped a two run double, scoring Juan Soto and placed the scoreboard at a 7-4 margin.

That score stood up after nine full innings, and the Yankees completed the sweep in their Oakland Grand Finale.

The Giants are next in action Tuesday September 24, in Oakland, hosting the Texas Rangers at 6:40 PM PDT. This will mark the last series ever in the Coliseum, unless a miracle happens before next season. The pitching matchup will be RHP Mitch Spence (8-9, 4.30) versus RHP Nathan Eovaldi (11-8, 3.96).

The Yankees fly back to New York, with Monday off, then host the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday September 24 at 7:05 PM EST. Their matchups are: RHP Clarke Schmidt (5-4, 2.37) vs, RHP Dean Kremer (7-10, 4.19).

Does Judge reach 60 home runs? We will have to see, and he left an indelible impression in his hometown area, with a homer, double two walks, and two runs scored, A very nice homecoming, indeed.

Michael Roberson covers Major League Baseball for http://www.sportsradioservice.com