Judge delivers final blow, but it was Yankees’ kids who crushed Rangers

Follow Us

The Yankees’ youth movement stole the spotlight in a convincing 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.

While Aaron Judge delivered the final blow with a late home run, it was the “pinstriped babies” — pitcher Will Warren, utility man Ben Rice, and shortstop Anthony Volpe — who powered the win before 40,343 at Yankee Stadium. Oswald Peraza pitched in with a thrilling catch that even went a step ahead of Derek Jeter’s famous 2004 dive.

Warren dominates

Rookie arm Warren, 25, delivered a masterclass. The rookie right-hander struck out 10 batters across 5⅔ scoreless innings in what was easily his finest big-league performance.

Facing a struggling Rangers offense, Will Warren seized his opportunity. Texas entered the game near MLB’s basement in team OPS (.656) and batting average (.227).

Warren allowed just five hits and one walk. He generated 13 swings-and-misses while keeping hitters off-balance throughout.

His final pitch proved most memorable. With bases loaded in the sixth, Warren froze Marcus Semien with a perfectly placed sinker for his 10th strikeout. The crowd erupted as the rookie walked off.

“Felt like he was ahead all night,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Good sinker, good four-seam. I thought he used both really well. He just had all of it working.”

This performance continues Warren’s remarkable turnaround. Over his past three starts, he’s posted a 1.50 ERA with 26 strikeouts against just three walks. His season ERA has dropped from 5.65 to 4.05 during this stretch.

“I think I was close this whole time,” Warren said. “It’s just about execution, sticking with our plan, and trusting that I’m here for a reason.”

The Yankees have won nine of their last 12 games, improving to 28-19.

Rice sets the tone for the Offense

Ben Rice provided the early firepower. The versatile left-handed hitter launched a second-deck solo home run off Rangers starter Patrick Corbin in the second inning.

The blast marked Rice’s 10th homer this season. He added a 111 mph sacrifice fly to deep center in the fourth that brought home Judge.

Only a leaping catch by Sam Haggerty prevented Rice from adding a double to his stat line. His power display continues to force the Yankees to find creative ways to keep his bat in the lineup.

Already comfortable at first base and catcher, Rice has begun taking pregame reps at third base.

Volpe adds insurance

Anthony Volpe, still just 23, delivered a key insurance run. His bloop double to the shallow center in the sixth inning scored Paul Goldschmidt.

Initially ruled a single, the hit was later upgraded to a double as Volpe took the extra base on the throw.

The young shortstop has shown increased comfort at the plate in recent weeks. His timely hitting proved crucial before Judge’s final flourish.

Judge seals the deal

Judge provided the exclamation point in the eighth inning. With two outs and a runner on base, the captain connected on a 326-foot fly ball that barely cleared the right-field wall.

It was the shortest home run of his illustrious career.

“That one I’m kind of blowing out right there,” Judge laughed. “They all count the same.”

The blast gave New York a comfortable 5-0 cushion. Judge now has 16 homers this season, the highest in the American League and one less than Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber for the MLB lead.

Yankees young guns take center stage

Tuesday’s victory highlighted the Yankees‘ emerging young core. Rice has evolved from a prospect to an everyday contributor. Warren looks increasingly like a rotation mainstay. Volpe continues his development into a well-rounded shortstop.

Boone praised Warren’s composure, particularly when faced with a bases-loaded jam in the sixth. Soft-contact singles and a walk filled the bases before Warren recorded his final strikeout.

“He’s just putting it together a little bit more now,” Boone said. “We’ve seen flashes, but now it’s coming consistently. He’s learning how to beat teams in different ways.”

After Warren’s exit, reliever Mark Leiter Jr. struck out Joc Pederson with a diving splitter to escape the inning. The bullpen allowed two runs in the ninth when Ian Hamilton surrendered a home run to Jonah Heim. Luke Weaver entered to record the final out and secure the save.

Confidence through experience

Warren’s journey hasn’t been smooth. After posting a 9.55 ERA in six appearances last season, he entered 2025 fighting for a rotation spot.

Early struggles brought scrutiny. With guidance from pitching coach Matt Blake and veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Luke Weaver, Warren adjusted his approach.

Blake said Warren is learning on the job and emphasized there’s no substitute for game repetitions, especially in an environment like Yankee Stadium.

Warren cites mental growth as his biggest improvement. He now attacks hitters rather than pitching tentatively.

Warren explained that sometimes pitchers miss their spots, but he believes a confident miss is more effective than a timid strike. He added that he has learned to trust his abilities and let his natural talent work for him.

Building for tomorrow

For all the established stars on the roster — Judge, Max Fried, Goldschmidt — the Yankees’ emerging talent represents their future.

Warren’s confidence grows with each start. Rice’s power makes him impossible to ignore. Volpe’s all-around game continues developing.

The next generation of Yankees has arrived. Their contributions on Tuesday night proved they belong on the big stage.

Judge’s home run may have sealed the victory, but the foundation was built by the youngest Yankees in pinstripes.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Follow Us