NEW YORK — — Austin Wells hit two-run homers in the third and eighth innings, powering the New York Yankees to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.
Wells hit a two-run shot in a three-run third off Erick Fedde (8-8) to give the Yankees a 4-2 lead. He connected again later off Riley O’Brien for a 6-3 lead.
It was Wells’ first career multihomer game and the rookie catcher is hitting .346 (28 for 81) with five homers and 21 RBI in 20 games as New York’s cleanup hitter protecting Aaron Judge mostly when the Yankees face right-handed starters.
Marcus Stroman (10-6) allowed two runs and nine hits in seven gritty innings for his third straight win.
Fedde allowed four runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander fell to 1-4 since being acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline.
LHP Steven Matz (lower back strain) threw a bullpen session and could be added when rosters expand to 28 on Sunday. … OF Michael Siani (strained right oblique) was slated to play back-to-back games with Double-A Springfield before possibly being added Sunday.
Cardinals RHP Kyle Gibson (7-6, 4.54 ERA) opposes New York rookie Will Warren (0-2, 9.68) on Saturday, 11:10 with the pregame and the first pitch at 12:05 on KIRX.