TAMPA — Once again, the Yankees left everyone talking. They smashed a franchise-record nine home runs in a single game, lighting up the scoreboard in a 13-3 victory over the Rays. It was a sight to behold, especially with seven of those homers hit in just the first four innings!
After a lengthy rain delay, the game kicked off around 9:30 p.m. Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and José Caballero each hit two home runs. The team collectively launched the baseball a staggering 3,419 feet!
“That’s why they are the Bronx Bombers,” Caballero said.
This win pushed the Yankees (68-57) into sole possession of the first AL wild card spot, leading both the Red Sox and Mariners by a game. They also moved to second in the AL East, trailing the Blue Jays by five games.
They didn’t just beat any team; they took on Rays pitchers Shane Baz, Ian Seymour, and Mason Montgomery, who had a rough outing. Together, these pitchers surrendered the nine home runs, making the Yankees the first team in MLB history with multiple nine-homer games in a season.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed his awe, saying, “To do it twice, that’s remarkable.” It’s impressive, given that the Rays are known for having a solid pitching staff.
The Yankees have shown their offensive prowess this season, with three back-to-back-to-back homers already in the first inning at least three times. This ties them with only two other teams in MLB history—the 2024 Dodgers and the 1982 Brewers.
Bellinger, who had a four-hit night, emphasized the team’s talent. “It’s not always going to be pretty… but we believe in each other,” he said.
Stanton’s two blasts contributed to his impressive streak, hitting 13 home runs in just 29 games. Aaron Judge also marked his 40th home run of the season, becoming one of only four Yankees to achieve this milestone in their first 10 seasons.
After a powerful start, Caballero hit his first home run as a Yankee in the second inning, pushing the lead to 5-0. By the end of the game, both Bellinger and Caballero added to the tally, showcasing a well-rounded attack.
Carlos Rodón pitched a solid six innings, allowing just two runs. Even after a rain delay, he maintained his focus. “It’s part of it. Roll with the punches,” Rodón said, highlighting the team’s resilience.
It’s fascinating to see how the Yankees are redefining what it means to be an offensive powerhouse in baseball. With strong individual performances and a collective spirit, they are not just winning; they are making headlines.
Their approach might be setting a trend in the league, reflecting a shift towards power-hitting as teams seek to maximize their offensive production. Recent statistics show that home runs are up across the league, with many teams adopting aggressive strategies. It’ll be interesting to see if the Yankees continue this trend and how the league reacts.
In this “home run era,” fans are eagerly watching to see if the Yankees can break records and maintain their momentum as they approach the playoff push.
Source link
MLB,Sports,aaron judge,ben rice,cody bellinger,giancarlo stanton,new york yankees