New York Yankees 6-3 Tampa Bay Rays
Ben Rice notched his first career four-hit outing and knocked in two crucial runs as the New York Yankees overcame the Tampa Bay Rays 6-3 on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field — the Yankees’ spring facility serving as a makeshift road venue following last year’s hurricane destruction at Tropicana Field.
The Yankees began their four-game series technically as visitors but were greeted with supportive roars from the 10,046 attendees, with “Let’s go Yankees!” chants reverberating throughout the stadium. Relocated due to Hurricane Milton’s devastation of Tropicana Field in October, the Rays are hosting their 2025 home schedule in Tampa, just a short distance from the Yankees’ spring headquarters — creating a peculiar road contest that carried a distinctly home-game atmosphere.
Rice’s breakthrough performance spearheads victory
Rookie Ben Rice stole the spotlight offensively, collecting a 4-for-5 night with two RBIs, highlighted by a timely two-run single in the sixth that transformed a tight contest. The performance marked Rice’s first four-hit game at the major league level, extending a productive stretch that has rapidly elevated his importance in the Yankees‘ developing batting order.
Rice explained after the game that he was simply focusing on maintaining his approach without trying to overdo things. He expressed satisfaction at making an impact and helping secure the victory.
With the teams deadlocked at 3-3 entering the sixth, Jasson Domínguez grounded into a run-scoring forceout against Rays starter Taj Bradley (2-1) to push New York ahead. Following a pitching substitution, Rice drove a two-run single to left against reliever Manuel Rodríguez, stretching the Yankees’ advantage to 6-3, a margin they protected the rest of the way.
Cabrera, Bellinger fuel midgame comeback
Down in the early innings, the Yankees steadily mounted pressure. Oswaldo Cabrera ignited the fifth frame with his season’s first round-tripper — a solo blast to right — narrowing the deficit to one run. Later that inning, Cody Bellinger produced a game-tying run with a forceout grounder, knotting the score at 3-3.
The well-timed hitting compensated for early pitching struggles, as New York leveraged its offensive depth with production throughout the lineup.
Warren falters, bullpen excels
Yankees starter Will Warren, fresh off securing his inaugural major league victory, couldn’t duplicate that success. He exited after just 1 2/3 innings and 53 pitches, departing with the bases loaded in the second. The relief corps, however, delivered when needed.
Junior Caminero continued his impressive early-season form with his fifth homer, an opposite-field two-run blast in the third against Ryan Yarbrough that briefly put the Rays ahead 3-1. Yarbrough, who previously pitched for Tampa Bay, prevented further scoring and kept the Yankees within striking range.
Taj Bradley surrendered nine hits and six earned runs across 5 1/3 innings in his first defeat of the campaign.
Tim Hill (2-0) stabilized the situation with two scoreless frames. Ian Hamilton followed by recording five outs while striking out three, and Devin Williams sealed the win with a perfect ninth for his fourth save this year.
Judge impacts both sides and Chisholm tossed in seventh
Aaron Judge contributed an RBI single in the opening frame and finished 1-for-4, slightly reducing his league-leading batting average to .400. His defensive prowess was equally significant, as he gunned down Kameron Misner attempting to advance from first to third on Brandon Lowe’s single in the first inning — a smart defensive play that thwarted a Rays scoring threat.
Emotions flared in the seventh when Jazz Chisholm Jr. was ejected by home plate umpire John Bacon after challenging a called third strike on a full-count offering that appeared beneath the zone. The incident marked Chisholm’s fifth career ejection and his first since joining the Yankees roster.
Yankees extend winning ways
With the triumph, the Yankees improved their record while maintaining their strong road performance. The victory also represented a successful debut as a “road team” in familiar territory, showcasing the club’s versatility during a season already marked by logistical challenges and injury setbacks.
Up next
Friday, May 17 — George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
- Yankees starter: LHP Carlos Rodón (1-3, 5.48 ERA)
- Rays starter: RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 0.60 ERA)
- First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
Carlos Rodón aims to bounce back from a difficult stretch as the Yankees look to take command of the four-game series. Rasmussen has been exceptional in limited action and will attempt to contain a surging Yankees offense.
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