Yankees hit franchise low in historic 18-2 loss to Dodgers

The New York Yankees were dealt a brutal 18-2 beatdown by the Los Angeles Dodgers — a loss so lopsided that, despite happening on the road, it etched itself deep into the franchise’s record books.

According to Katie Sharp of Sports Reference’s StatHead, the 16-run defeat is now the Yankees’ worst loss to a National League opponent in franchise history — regular season or postseason.

Sharp also noted another painful stat: it was the worst loss in Yankees history in a game where one of their players hit two or more home runs. That player was Aaron Judge, who remained the Yankees’ lone bright spot in an otherwise miserable night.

Pitching Collapse Fueled the Rout

The path to that infamous record began on the mound with Will Warren, who had received pregame advice from ace Gerrit Cole. The rookie lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing 7 runs and striking out only two batters. Things didn’t get better from there: relievers Leiter Jr. gave up 4, Reyes 3, Headrick 3, and Weaver added one more to the tally.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 31: Will Warren #98 talks with Austin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Game 2 of the series also featured a chilly comment from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who celebrated his birthday with the win and didn’t hold back when it came to beating the Yankees. It was the Dodgers’ second straight win in the series — and followed a dominant Game 1 where even Max Fried couldn’t hold the home team in check.

Warren Reacts to Humbling Loss

Warren, who opened the door to one of the worst statistical losses in Yankees history, didn’t shy away from giving credit where it was due.

“That’s a good team. When you make mistakes, they’re magnified,” Warren said. “I was on my heels. I talk about executing and being aggressive in the zone, and today didn’t go that way for me. They took advantage of it.”

Manager Aaron Boone had Warren’s back postgame, focusing on the growth opportunity rather than the damage. “He has learned a lot from every situation, from adversity through some success. This is a hard game, you know?” Boone said. “You’re going to take your lumps sometimes, and we’ll be better for having gone through that. He has all the equipment to move right through this and be excellent.”