On Sunday, in a rubber match against the Oakland Athletics, they won 12-5 with a strong performance from outfielder Aaron Judge, who went 2-4, recording two home runs, one walk, three runs scored and four RBIs.

Judge and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh are locked in what’s becoming a sensational AL MVP race. Although Judge entered play Sunday leading the sport in bWAR (5.7) and OPS (1.161), Raleigh already owns 32 home runs, 62 RBI, and 4.6 bWAR.

Marcus Stroman fired up the Yankees, in the clubhouse and on the mound. Returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for 2 1/2 months, the 34-year-old right-hander resumed his pregame routine of lighting a scented candle in his stall Sunday morning to set the mood.