Dominic Smith's two homers led the Yankees to a 3-1 win over the Angels on June 17, 2025. See how Smith's bat and Will Warren's arm secured the victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt like a tense pitcher's duel, one man decided to take over the show. Dominic Smith, stepping up in a huge way, launched two solo home runs to power the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at the Stadium. It was a gritty win that showcased the team's depth and kept them firmly planted atop the AL East.
Dominic Smith was the entire Yankees offense on Tuesday, launching two home runs and driving in all three runs in the 3-1 win.
Just when you thought you knew where the offense would come from, Dominic Smith reminded everyone that anyone in pinstripes can be a hero on any given night. Smith was responsible for every single Yankees run, blasting two homers that accounted for three RBIs. His performance was a massive boost for a lineup that was otherwise quiet, providing the decisive blows in a low-scoring affair. It was a breakout game for the first baseman, who saw his average get a nice bump to .250 thanks to his heroics.
On the mound, Will Warren did exactly what was asked of him: keep the Yankees in the game. While he wasn't untouchable, he was effective, navigating a tough Angels lineup and limiting the damage. The only blemish came from the perennial MVP candidate Mike Trout, who hit a home run for the Angels' lone run. By holding a potent offense to just one run, Warren solidified his spot in the rotation and gave his team the chance they needed to win.
With this victory, the Yankees improved their record to a stellar 42-28, maintaining their hold on first place in the American League East. The win keeps the pressure on their division rivals and bolsters their already impressive 98.8% chance of making the postseason. It wasn't just Smith, either; small contributions like Juan Matheus going 1-for-1 in his lone at-bat show that every player is ready to contribute. Under Aaron Boone, the team continues to find ways to win, which is exactly what championship-caliber teams do.
It was a classic case of 'next man up,' with Dominic Smith providing the thunder the Yankees needed. While star power often drives this team, victories like this—ground out with solid pitching and a surprise hero—are what build a first-place resume. As they hold their lead in the competitive AL East, the Bombers will need more of this grit and timely hitting to turn their strong playoff odds into a deep October run. On to the next one.
