Yankees top Braves 12-9 on July 20, 2025, after Trent Grisham's 9th-inning grand slam! Recap Anthony Volpe's homers in a wild comeback victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Yankees were headed for a tough series loss in Atlanta, the script flipped in the most dramatic way possible. In a wild, back-and-forth affair, Trent Grisham stepped to the plate in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded and the score knotted at 8-8. What followed was pure magic: a go-ahead grand slam that silenced the Atlanta crowd and sealed a breathtaking 12-9 victory for the Bronx Bombers.
With one swing, Trent Grisham turned an 8-8 tie into a 12-8 lead, hitting his 11th home run of the season and delivering one of the most memorable moments of the year.
Sunday's game was a rollercoaster from the start. Starter Carlos Rodón battled through five innings, surrendering five runs, and the Yankees found themselves playing catch-up. But this team's offense simply refused to quit. Aaron Judge stayed hot with a 3-for-5 day, and Gleyber Torres chipped in with two hits. The key moment before the ninth-inning fireworks came from Anthony Volpe, whose second homer of the day tied the game in the seventh, breathing new life into the dugout and setting the stage for Grisham's heroic blast. It was a true team effort that saw the Yanks plate six runs in the final two frames.
While Grisham will get the headlines for the game-winner, Anthony Volpe was the engine that powered the Yankees' offense all afternoon. The sophomore shortstop was sensational, launching two home runs and driving in four crucial runs. His first homer got the Yankees on the board, and his second was a clutch, game-tying shot in the seventh. Volpe is putting together an incredible season, now with 19 homers and 58 RBI, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of this franchise for years to come.
Rodón's outing was another reminder of the team's biggest question mark: pitching depth. With Clarke Schmidt lost for the season, and key arms like Mark Leiter Jr. and Fernando Cruz on the IL, every shaky start feels magnified. Thankfully, help appears to be on the way. Reliever Yerry de los Santos, who posted a stellar 1.80 ERA before his injury, just began his rehab assignment at Double-A. More importantly, starter Luis Gil is nearing his return, having tossed 55-60 pitches in his latest rehab start. His presence in the rotation will be a massive boost.
Even with Gil and de los Santos on the mend, the front office knows more is needed. The July 31 trade deadline is fast approaching, and all signs point to the Yankees being aggressive buyers on the pitching market. The injuries to Schmidt, Leiter Jr., and Ryan Yarbrough have created significant holes. To make a serious run in October, the Yankees will need to add at least one, if not two, reliable arms. Expect the rumor mill to heat up significantly over the next week and a half.
This 12-9 thriller was more than just a single win; it was a statement. It showcased the team's offensive firepower and incredible resilience. As the Yankees head home with a 54-44 record, the focus now shifts. The team needs to build on this momentum while the front office works the phones, searching for the pitching reinforcements that could turn this exciting, gritty team into a true World Series contender. The next ten days could define the rest of the season.
