NEW YORK – The New York Yankees put on a stunning display of offensive firepower on Tuesday night, May 6, 2025, defeating the San Diego Padres 12-3 in front of 38,090 fans at Yankee Stadium. This victory not only snapped a three-game losing streak for the Yankees but also showcased their potential to dominate a game in a way fans had been eagerly waiting for.
Entering the seventh inning, the Yankees found themselves trailing 3-2, but what unfolded next was nothing short of remarkable. In a single inning, the Yankees sent 13 batters to the plate, scoring 10 runs off two Padres relievers, Adrian Morejón and Wandy Peralta. This explosive inning marked the Yankees' biggest of the season, as they turned a close game into a rout.
The inning kicked off with Jasson Domínguez leading off with a double, followed by Anthony Volpe’s single that tied the game at three. Austin Wells, who would later become the star of the night, contributed significantly by hitting a tying single and then launching his first career grand slam, capping off a truly unforgettable inning.
Wells’ grand slam came after the Yankees had already taken the lead, and it was a moment that highlighted the resilience and talent of a team that had struggled to find its footing early in the season. This performance was a much-needed boost, especially after the Yankees had entered the game without a single late-game comeback to their name this season.
Earlier in the game, the Padres had taken a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, thanks to a combination of solid hitting and a balk by Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt. Manny Machado’s single and a sacrifice fly from Jason Heyward helped the Padres capitalize on their opportunities. However, the Yankees responded with a powerful swing from Aaron Judge, who hit his 12th home run of the season, tying him for the MLB lead. Judge’s homer not only energized the crowd but also extended his on-base streak to 32 games.
As the game progressed, Michael King, who was pitching against his former team, had done well for the Padres, allowing only two runs in six innings. Yet, it was the Padres' bullpen that faltered, allowing the Yankees to capitalize on their mistakes. After King exited the game, the Yankees seized the moment, turning the tide in their favor.
The pivotal seventh inning began with Domínguez’s double, and it quickly escalated from there. Wells’ tying single was followed by a series of events that saw the Yankees take control. Trent Grisham walked to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead, and Ben Rice’s two-run double extended the advantage to 6-3. The onslaught continued with Cody Bellinger’s RBI single and Volpe’s infield single before Wells’ grand slam sealed the deal.
With this victory, the Yankees improved to 20-16 on the season, and the win was a significant morale booster for a team that had struggled recently. The Yankees are now poised to take on the Padres again, with Max Fried slated to pitch in the series finale on Wednesday. Fried has been impressive this season, boasting a 6-0 record and a 1.01 ERA, and the Yankees will be looking to build on the momentum gained from this explosive victory.
The Padres, on the other hand, saw their six-game winning streak come to an abrupt end. The loss not only affected their standing but also marked a rare instance where their bullpen, which had been dominant throughout the season, failed to hold a lead. The Padres entered the game with a bullpen ERA of 1.68, which saw a significant increase following the Yankees' offensive explosion.
As the Yankees celebrate this much-needed victory, the focus now shifts to maintaining this level of play and consistency. The game showcased their potential, and if they can replicate this performance, they could be a formidable opponent as the season progresses. The fans left Yankee Stadium buzzing with excitement, hopeful that this game could signal a turning point for the team.
In conclusion, the Yankees’ 12-3 victory over the Padres highlighted their offensive capabilities and resilience, setting the stage for what could be a significant turnaround in their season. With key players stepping up and a renewed sense of confidence, the Yankees are ready to face the challenges ahead.
