NEW YORK - The New York Yankees faced a challenging night at Yankee Stadium on May 5, 2025, as they battled both the San Diego Padres and the elements in a rain-soaked game that culminated in a dramatic finish. After a series of delays due to inclement weather, the Padres emerged victorious with a 4-3 win, marking the Yankees' third consecutive loss.
The game began with anticipation, but the weather forecast loomed large. Initially scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch, the start was pushed back to 7:30 p.m. due to rain. Just as the Yankees seemed to gain momentum, the game was halted in the fourth inning with the Yankees leading 2-0, thanks to a two-run homer from former Padres outfielder Trent Grisham.
Grisham, who had been traded to the Yankees as part of the Juan Soto deal, showcased his resurgence this season, batting .301 with a 1.015 OPS through 29 games. His two-run shot in the second inning gave the Yankees an early lead, but the night would take a turn for the worse.
As the rain continued to fall, the game was interrupted for a second time at 8:45 p.m. Despite the challenging conditions, play resumed after a 28-minute delay. However, the Padres rallied in the eighth inning, scoring four runs that would ultimately seal the Yankees' fate.
The turning point came when Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was ejected after arguing a strike call with home plate umpire Adrian Johnson. His ejection ignited a fire in the Padres' dugout, leading to a furious rally. Manager Mike Shildt joined Tatis in the argument, further energizing the team.
Following Tatis' departure, Luis Arraez drew a walk to load the bases. Manny Machado then delivered a clutch double that scored Tyler Wade and Brandon Lockridge, followed by a single from Xander Bogaerts that drove in Arraez and Machado. The Padres, who had struggled offensively throughout the game, suddenly found themselves in the lead.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone had expressed uncertainty about the game proceeding earlier in the evening, noting mixed reports on the weather. "We were hoping to get the game in, but the rain has been relentless," he said during a pregame interview.
On the mound, Yankees starter Carlos Rodón delivered a solid performance, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing just three hits. However, the Yankees' bullpen faltered in the eighth, with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver unable to contain the Padres' surge.
As the game progressed, the rain continued to affect play. Pivetta, the Padres' starter, had difficulty gripping the ball, which contributed to his struggles on the mound. He allowed five hits and walked four batters in 5.2 innings, but managed to keep the Yankees at bay until the late innings.
The Yankees' earlier lead was built on Grisham's impressive home run, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities in the later innings. The weather delays not only disrupted the flow of the game but also seemed to sap the Yankees' momentum.
After the game, Tatis expressed his relief at the team's ability to bounce back. "I’m just happy I got the boys hyped," he said, reflecting on the impact of his ejection. "It shows the character of this team to fight back like that."
Bogaerts echoed Tatis' sentiments, stating, "From not much action, not much going on, and just one inning just turning the whole ballgame." The Padres' ability to capitalize on the Yankees' mistakes in the eighth inning highlighted their resilience and determination.
With the loss, the Yankees fell to 19-15 overall but remain in first place in the AL East. However, with the Padres in town and riding a five-game winning streak, the Yankees face a tough challenge ahead. The Padres, now 22-11, are looking to extend their winning streak to six games when they face the Yankees again in the coming days.
Moving forward, the Yankees will need to regroup quickly. Their next matchup is set for May 6, 2025, where Clarke Schmidt is expected to take the mound against former Yankee Michael King. The team will be eager to shake off the rain-soaked frustrations and find a way to secure a win against a formidable Padres lineup.
As fans left the stadium, the atmosphere was mixed with disappointment and hope. The Yankees are still in the early stages of the season, and with plenty of games left to play, they have the opportunity to turn things around. The coming days will be crucial as they look to regain their footing and challenge for dominance in the AL East.
In the meantime, the weather forecast remains a concern, with more rain predicted in the coming days. The Yankees will need to stay focused and adapt to the conditions as they prepare for their next game. Can they bounce back against the Padres and stop the losing streak? Only time will tell.
