NEW YORK -- In a thrilling showdown at Yankee Stadium, Trent Grisham emerged as the hero for the New York Yankees, delivering a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning before J.C. Escarra sealed the deal with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 10th, leading the Yankees to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on May 7, 2025.
Grisham, who has been a pivotal player for the Yankees this season, showcased his talent in a crucial moment. Coming off the bench, Grisham smashed his 10th home run of the season, surpassing his total from the previous year. The Yankees were trailing 3-1 in the eighth inning when Oswaldo Cabrera drew a leadoff walk. Grisham then stepped up to the plate and connected with a pitch from Jason Adam, sending the ball deep into right field and tying the game at 3-3.
This performance was particularly special for Grisham, who played for the Padres from 2020 to 2023. "Winning against your previous team, when the fans of your current team were previously cursing you, is a win in itself," Grisham remarked, reflecting on the emotional significance of the game.
Escarra's game-winning sacrifice fly came in the bottom of the 10th inning after Cabrera advanced the automatic runner, Jasson Domínguez, to third base with a sacrifice bunt. Escarra lofted a fly ball into the left-field corner, allowing Domínguez to score easily. This marked the Yankees' first walk-off victory of the season, much to the delight of the 42,302 fans in attendance.
Earlier in the game, the Yankees faced a formidable challenge from Padres starter Dylan Cease, who held them hitless until the seventh inning. Cody Bellinger finally broke the no-hitter with a powerful home run, but the Padres quickly regained control, scoring twice in the eighth inning to take a 3-1 lead.
Max Fried, who has been a standout pitcher for the Yankees, threw seven innings of one-run ball, striking out eight and allowing just five hits. Fried's performance has been exceptional this season, as he boasts an American League-leading ERA of 1.05 through eight starts. He signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees in December 2024, and his dominance on the mound has been a key factor in the team's success.
Despite the loss of momentum, the Yankees rallied back, thanks in large part to Grisham's clutch hitting and Escarra's timely contributions. "We have faith in everybody in the lineup," said Yankees captain Aaron Judge, emphasizing the team's resilience despite a rocky start to the season.
The game was not without its tense moments. Devin Williams, who had struggled in recent outings, found himself in a high-pressure situation in the 10th inning with the bases loaded. Williams managed to strike out Xander Bogaerts with a full-count changeup, pumping his fist in celebration as he secured the strikeout that kept the Yankees in the game.
As the Yankees strive to improve their performance this season, Grisham's emergence as a reliable contributor has provided a much-needed boost. With 26 hits in 89 at-bats, a .292 batting average, and 20 RBIs, Grisham is proving to be an essential part of the Yankees' lineup.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will face the Athletics in their next series, with rookie right-hander Will Warren set to take the mound. The team hopes to build on this momentum and continue their quest for a successful season.
In conclusion, Trent Grisham's game-changing performance and J.C. Escarra's walk-off heroics have reignited hope for the Yankees as they navigate a challenging season. With strong pitching from Max Fried and a lineup filled with potential, the Yankees are poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses.
