TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees made baseball history twice in one night Wednesday, setting a pair of home run records during their 6-4, 10-inning victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The Bronx Bombers hit five home runs in the contest, completing a remarkable two-game stretch that saw them belt 14 long balls across both games. This offensive explosion tied a Major League record for most home runs in a two-game span, matching a mark previously set by the 1999 Cincinnati Reds.
The historical connection runs deeper than numbers alone. Aaron Boone, now the Yankees manager, hit the first of those 14 home runs for the Reds 26 years ago, creating an unexpected link between past and present.
“They’re on a heater,” said Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen. “Sometimes you run into offenses like that. It’s crazy how many they’ve hit in these last two days.”
First-ever extra-inning feat for storied Yankees
The Yankees’ second record came in the 10th inning when Giancarlo Stanton and Austin Wells connected for back-to-back home runs. This marked the first time in franchise history that the Yankees hit consecutive homers in extra innings, a surprising first for an organization synonymous with power hitting since Babe Ruth’s era.
Stanton’s blast was particularly significant as a pinch-hit homer, the Yankees’ first since Brian McCann accomplished the feat in 2014. The veteran slugger entered as a substitute for Ryan McMahon with the ghost runner Anthony Volpe on second base, drilling a two-run shot off Rays closer Pete Fairbanks.
“He’s so good at the mental game now, preparing and knowing how to do it,” manager Aaron Boone said of Stanton’s pinch-hitting prowess. “He has tremendous self-awareness of who he is as a hitter now. He’s an animal.”
Wells immediately followed with his second homer of the night, providing insurance in what became a crucial victory for the Yankees’ playoff positioning.
Stanton’s remarkable turnaround as pinch hitter
The performance highlighted Stanton’s dramatic improvement as a pinch-hitter this season. After going just 5-for-45 (.111) in such situations throughout his career before 2025, Stanton is now 4-for-7 with two home runs when coming off the bench this year.
“Every pinch-hit is its own scenario, own little algorithm,” Stanton explained. “So you figure out how it goes, but as long as you’re prepared and on time, understand the situation and move fast in a short amount of time, you can do something good.”
The veteran has been on a tear since returning from injury, hitting 15 home runs in his last 34 games while batting .311 in 46 games since June 16.
Perfect game bid adds drama to record night
Before the offensive fireworks, rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler nearly stole the show with a perfect game bid that lasted until the seventh inning. The 24-year-old retired the first 18 batters he faced before Chandler Simpson led off the seventh with a single to center field.
Schlittler finished with 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight batters on 95 pitches. The performance marked career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts for the rookie making his seventh major league start.
“The stuff was overwhelming; probably the best breaking ball he’s had all year, to go with the big fastball,” Boone said of Schlittler’s dominant outing.
Grisham continues power surge
Trent Grisham also contributed to the historic night with two home runs, including a leadoff blast that started the Yankees’ offensive showcase. His performance came one night after the Yankees tied a franchise record with nine home runs in Tuesday’s victory.
The multi-homer games from Grisham and Wells provided additional firepower for a Yankees offense that has found its rhythm at a crucial point in the season.
Playoff implications mount
The victory marked the Yankees’ fifth straight win and completed a perfect road trip through St. Louis and Tampa Bay. At 69-57, the Yankees moved within four games of the first-place Blue Jays in the AL East while maintaining a 1.5-game lead over the Red Sox for the top AL wild-card spot.
“We’ve been playing our game these past couple of series,” said captain Aaron Judge. “We’ll stay locked in on that, control what we can control, and take care of business.”
The momentum couldn’t come at a better time, as the Yankees return home to face the Red Sox in a crucial four-game series beginning Thursday night at Yankee Stadium.
Records highlight franchise power tradition
The twin records underscore the Yankees’ deep connection to home run history. From Ruth’s pioneering power displays to the modern era’s offensive explosions, the franchise has consistently redefined baseball’s boundaries.
Wednesday’s performance proved that even for a team with such a storied past, there are still new heights to reach. The fact that one record tied a mark involving their current manager’s playing career only added to the night’s unique significance.
“It’s been a great road trip,” Stanton said. “We’ve been hitting the ball hard, hitting the ball in the air, getting a lot of homers. Timely hitting. We’re clicking on a lot of cylinders. So it’s good to take this into the weekend.”
The Yankees will look to carry this historic offensive momentum into their pivotal showdown with Boston, where playoff positioning could be significantly impacted over the next four games.
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