Big day for Yankees’ OF Pereira, even bigger day for rookie 3B Rojas

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While Everson Pereira blasted two home runs, Yankees rookie Jose Rojas stole the show with three home runs in an MiLB game.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, delivered a performance for the record books Thursday, dismantling the Syracuse Mets 19-8 at NBT Bank Stadium behind extraordinary displays from Jose Rojas and Everson Pereira. Rojas hammered three home runs while driving in eight runs, and Pereira contributed two homers of his own as the RailRiders posted one of the most prolific offensive showings in franchise history.

The team’s 23-hit outburst tied for the fourth-highest single-game hit total in franchise records, while their 19 runs matched the fifth-most ever scored by the club. Yet despite these impressive team accomplishments, individual performances by Rojas and Pereira stole the spotlight in this International League slugfest.

3B Rojas delivers triple-homer masterpiece

Rookie third baseman Jose Rojas crafted an unforgettable performance, connecting for home runs in three separate innings to spearhead the offensive onslaught. The 30-year-old infielder initiated his power display with a towering 404-foot three-run blast to center field in the third inning. He followed this with a bases-loaded grand slam to right field in the sixth, before completing his trifecta with an eighth-inning solo shot to right-center, pushing his season total to six home runs.

Rojas finished with eight RBIs, becoming just the fifth player in franchise history to reach that mark in a single contest. This achievement mirrors Jake Bauers’ 2023 performance against these same Syracuse Mets when he also recorded three homers and eight RBIs. Rojas narrowly missed the franchise single-game RBI record of nine, established by Mark Budzinski back in July 2004.

Pereira strengthens case for Bronx return

While Rojas captured headlines, Yankees outfield prospect Everson Pereira continued building momentum for a potential major league promotion. The 22-year-old jumpstarted the scoring with a two-run homer to left field in the opening frame, later adding a mammoth 430-foot solo shot to center in the seventh inning—his fifth round-tripper this season. The latter home run registered an impressive 110.5 mph exit velocity, exemplifying the raw power that makes Pereira such an intriguing organizational asset.

After struggling through a slow start to his 2025 campaign, Pereira has found his rhythm at a potentially opportune moment. With the Yankees managing Giancarlo Stanton’s injury absence and evaluating outfield depth behind Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Domínguez, Pereira’s resurgence couldn’t be better timed. His combination of power potential and defensive prowess positions him as a legitimate candidate for midseason reinforcement.

Complete team effort fuels record performance

The offensive fireworks extended well beyond the headline performers:

• T.J. Rumfield delivered an exceptional 4-for-5 night that included a double
• Ismael Munguia contributed three hits, including a ninth-inning home run—his third this season
• Grant Richardson added two doubles amid the 23-hit barrage

This balanced attack propelled the RailRiders above the .500 mark at 15-14, solidifying their position in an increasingly competitive International League race.

Yankees’ depth increasingly valuable

Thursday’s offensive explosion represents more than statistical achievement—it highlights the organizational depth the Yankees have cultivated at the Triple-A level. Rojas, who joined the organization on a minor league contract during the offseason, has developed into a consistent contributor across multiple infield positions. Meanwhile, Pereira remains the organization’s most prominent position player prospect on the cusp of big-league opportunity.

Given recent injuries throughout the Yankees’ roster, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton, manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman may soon explore Triple-A reinforcements. Rojas’s power surge and versatility at third base—a position without established long-term security in the Bronx—adds intriguing possibilities. Similarly, Pereira’s recent production could prove timely if the club continues seeking consistency in left field.

The RailRiders continue their series against Syracuse on Friday evening. Attention will focus on whether Rojas can maintain his historic momentum into May, and whether Pereira can extend his recent hot streak sufficiently to force consideration for a major league promotion.

For a Yankees organization with championship aspirations, having Triple-A talent performing at record-setting levels provides both immediate options and longer-term strategic flexibility—essential components for sustained success at the highest level.

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