Yankees hold off Blue Jays 5-4 in Bronx heat as Rice and McMahon deliver key home runs
Will Warren earns win for New York while Camilo Doval records second save of the season in a tightly contested matchup under 90-degree conditions.
The New York Yankees secured a 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, overcoming a tied scoreline through timely power hitting and strong bullpen performance. The game, played under 90-degree heat, saw the Yankees improve their recent home record to 11-1 in their last 12 contests.
Ryan McMahon broke the deadlock in the fourth inning with a three-run home run off Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease. The shot came after two walks, including one to Aaron Judge, and extended a lead that would be tested later in the game. McMahon’s opposite-field homer to left field provided the initial offensive spark for New York.
The Blue Jays responded to tie the game, but Ben Rice reasserted the Yankees’ advantage in the fifth inning with a two-run home run. The blast marked Rice’s 16th home run of the season, tying him with Aaron Judge for the team lead. Rice’s contribution proved decisive in maintaining New York’s offensive pressure.
Will Warren (6-1) earned the win for the Yankees, pitching five innings and allowing the runs that defined the contest. The New York bullpen, described as shaky in recent outings, delivered a critical performance with Tim Hill, Jake Bird, and Brent Headrick combining for three scoreless innings. The relievers allowed just one hit during their combined effort, stabilising the game after Warren’s departure.
In the ninth inning, closer Camilo Doval recorded his second save of the season and first with the Yankees. Despite allowing a sacrifice fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Doval secured the win by retiring Kazuma Okamoto on a game-ending grounder to shortstop Anthony Volpe, with two runners in scoring position. Doval celebrated the save by pounding his chest after the final out.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected from the game in the seventh inning. Boone left the dugout to argue that Blue Jays centre fielder Daulton Varsho trapped the ball on a diving catch to end the inning. However, it appeared Boone remained agitated about a previous call in the fourth inning, where shortstop Anthony Volpe was ruled out at second base on a stolen base attempt.
Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease (3-2) struck out nine batters but required 100 pitches to complete five innings. He walked four batters, including Chisholm and Trent Grisham, in addition to Judge. Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement, who missed the start due to strep throat, contributed a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning.
The Toronto Blue Jays also faced roster adjustments, with left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Monday due to left knee inflammation. The teams prepare to meet again on Wednesday night, with Blue Jays right-handed pitcher Trey Yesavage (1-1, 1.40 ERA) set to face Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler (6-1, 1.35 ERA).
