Cody Bellinger's 3-run HR powered the Yankees to a 7-5 comeback win vs. the Rays on July 30. See how his blast & Anthony Volpe's hustle won the game.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the Tampa Bay Rays might have their number, the Yankees roared back to life on a Wednesday night in the Bronx. Trailing and in need of a spark, Cody Bellinger delivered the thunder with a game-tying three-run shot, electrifying the stadium and powering the Bombers to a much-needed 7-5 victory to stay hot in the AL East race.
Where would this team be without Cody?
The game was a classic tug-of-war. Max Fried was dealing, racking up nine strikeouts over 6.2 solid innings, but the Rays managed to scratch across enough runs to take the lead. Then came the bottom of the sixth. With two on, Cody Bellinger stepped up and did what he's done all season: deliver in the clutch. He launched a towering three-run home run that tied the game and completely shifted the momentum. It was the centerpiece of a win that also saw a clutch RBI single from Trent Grisham, improving the Yankees' record to 58-49.
While Bellinger provided the power, Anthony Volpe provided the hustle. The young shortstop was a menace all night, driving in two key runs. But his most impactful play came on the basepaths. In a tight spot, Volpe swiped third base with pure speed and baseball IQ, putting immense pressure on the Rays' defense and ultimately scoring on an error. It's the kind of aggressive, smart play that manufactures runs and wins ballgames.
The on-field action wasn't the only news of the day. The front office made a move, acquiring veteran outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl. The 32-year-old Slater provides immediate outfield depth and a potent bat against left-handed pitching, where he's posted an impressive .261/.338/.522 slash line this season. He's a clear platoon piece designed to strengthen the bench for the stretch run.
The Slater trade feels like a direct reflection of the Yankees' current farm system status. Reports indicate that while the system is deep in pitching arms, it lacks the elite, can't-miss prospects needed to land a true superstar. By acquiring a rental role-player like Slater, the Yankees are leveraging their organizational depth for a specific need without mortgaging the future. It's a pragmatic move, but it likely signals that fans shouldn't expect a blockbuster before tomorrow's deadline.
With a huge divisional win in the books and a new piece added to the puzzle, all eyes now turn to the trade deadline clock. Is the Austin Slater acquisition the final move, or does Brian Cashman have one more trick up his sleeve? One thing is certain: with Bellinger red-hot and the team showing fight, the Yankees are geared up for a dramatic final two months of the season.
