TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees showcased their resilience and talent in a thrilling 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night at Steinbrenner Field, marking a significant moment in their early season campaign. Ben Rice emerged as the star of the night, achieving his first big league four-hit game, driving in two runs, and helping to propel the Yankees to their fourth consecutive win.
The atmosphere in the stadium felt electric, with a sellout crowd of 10,046 fans, many of whom were cheering for the Yankees as if they were in the Bronx. Chants of “Let’s go Yankees!” echoed through the stands, creating a lively environment reminiscent of a playoff matchup. The Rays, displaced from their home at Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton, are currently playing at Steinbrenner Field, and the crowd reflected a mix of local support and Yankees loyalty.
Rice, who had been making waves since his arrival in the majors, continued to impress with his bat. He finished the night 4-for-5, including a crucial two-run single in the sixth inning that gave the Yankees the lead. His performance raised his batting average to .317, placing him seventh in the American League. “I just try to focus on making good contact and helping my team win,” Rice said after the game, clearly thrilled with his achievement.
The Yankees found themselves in a tight spot early in the game, trailing 3-1 in the fifth inning. Junior Caminero had put the Rays ahead with a two-run homer off Yankees starter Will Warren, who struggled to find his rhythm and was pulled after just 1 2/3 innings due to a high pitch count. Despite the early setback, the Yankees rallied back thanks to the efforts of their bullpen and timely hitting.
Oswaldo Cabrera sparked the comeback with a leadoff homer in the fifth, marking his first of the season. Following Cabrera, Cody Bellinger contributed with a run-scoring fielder’s choice that tied the game at 3-3. Rice’s double set the stage for the decisive sixth inning, where Jasson Domínguez grounded into a run-scoring forceout, leading to Rice’s two-run single that ultimately sealed the victory.
On the mound, the Yankees’ bullpen stepped up in a big way. After Warren’s early exit, Ryan Yarbrough, Tim Hill, Ian Hamilton, and Devin Williams combined to hold the Rays scoreless for the remainder of the game. Williams, who earned his fourth save, closed out the game with a flawless ninth inning, showcasing the depth and strength of the Yankees’ pitching staff.
In a notable moment, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge contributed defensively as well, throwing out Kameron Misner attempting to advance from first to third on a single, showcasing his skills beyond just hitting. Judge, who went 1-for-4 on the night, lowered his batting average to .400 but remained a key figure in the Yankees’ lineup.
However, the night wasn’t without controversy. Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Rays was ejected in the seventh inning after arguing a called third strike that he believed was low. Chisholm expressed his frustration on social media shortly after his ejection, tweeting, “Not even f—king close!” This marked his fifth career ejection and first with the Yankees, adding a layer of drama to an already intense game.
The Yankees’ victory improved their record to 12-7, while the Rays, despite the loss, showed flashes of their potential, particularly with Caminero’s powerful hitting. As the teams prepare for the next matchup, the focus will shift to Friday’s game where Yankees left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón, who has struggled this season, faces off against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen, who has been impressive with a 0.60 ERA.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will continue their series against the Rays with games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, providing fans with plenty of action as the season progresses. The Yankees are hoping to build on their recent momentum, while the Rays will be eager to bounce back and reclaim their home advantage.
With Ben Rice leading the charge and the bullpen proving its mettle, the Yankees are making a strong case as contenders in the AL East. The excitement is palpable as the season unfolds, and fans can expect more thrilling moments ahead as both teams vie for supremacy in this competitive division.
