Yankees hit nine homers against Rays

An editorial take on the Yankees nine home run outburst against the Rays and what it means for their playoff push.

Yankees belt franchise record-tying nine homers against Rays

TAMPA The Yankees hit nine homers to crush the Rays 13 3 at Steinbrenner Field, tying a franchise record in a game that came after a rain delay of nearly two hours. Stanton, Bellinger and Caballero hit two homers each, part of a total 3 419 feet of long balls. Seven homers came in the first four innings and the club joined a rare club by becoming the first MLB team to have two nine homer games in a season. Judge, Bellinger and Stanton opened the first with back to back to back homers, a pattern the Yankees have shown this season.

Judge’s 429 foot homer gave him 40 this season, a milestone reached by only Ruth, Gehrig and Mantle in Yankees history. Caballero added his second homer in the ninth, and Chisholm contributed a solo shot as the team piled on late. Aaron Judge posted a homer in the first inning and Stanton added a two run shot in the fourth as Ben Rice joined the parade with a solo shot in the ninth. The win pushed New York to 68 57 and gave them sole possession of the first AL wild card while moving them to second in the AL East, five games behind the Blue Jays. Rodon worked six innings allowing two runs, giving the bullpen a cushion after a late delay.

The night reinforced the Yankees' identity as a power offense that can lift a game even when pitching or defense falter. The back to back to back in the first inning shows a readiness to pounce on mistakes and the depth in the lineup is clear with Stanton Bellinger Caballero driving most of the damage. Yet a clearer picture will emerge only if this level of slugging holds as the schedule tightens and rotation depth is tested. The Rays trotted out three young pitchers and still could not cool the Yankees power, a signal that the team might be more dangerous when the weather and opposition cooperate.

Beyond the box score, the results alter the playoff landscape. The win gives the Yankees sole possession of the first AL wild card and keeps them within reach of the Blue Jays in the East. But it also raises questions about consistency and whether the offense can keep up against stronger teams. The stormy weather and a long season stress every winning streak, and this night is a reminder that big innings can mask the need for sustained performance across the rotation and bullpen.

Highlights

The pace of the season tests every lineup and this night adds another layer to the chase for October.