Ben Rice's 8th-inning HR lifts the Yankees over the Blue Jays 5-4 on July 23. See how the rookie's clutch hit and Aaron Judge's RBIs snapped the streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the sky was starting to fall in the Bronx, a rookie stepped up to hold it in place. Ben Rice, the surprise story of the 2025 season, launched a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning Wednesday night, powering the Yankees to a desperately needed 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. It was a classic, gut-check win that snapped a frustrating losing streak and reminded everyone that this team has plenty of fight left in it.
'I was just looking for something up in the zone. I got it and put a good swing on it. Feels great to help the team win in a big spot.' - Ben Rice on his game-winning home run.
The Yankees and Blue Jays were locked in a 4-4 tie heading into the eighth at Rogers Centre, and the tension was palpable. That's when Ben Rice stepped to the plate and did what he's done all year: deliver. He crushed a pitch for his 8th homer of the season, a no-doubter that silenced the Toronto crowd and sent the Yankee dugout into a frenzy. It was the decisive blow in a game where every run mattered. Aaron Judge did his part as well, going 2-for-4 with a double and two crucial RBIs, providing the early offense that kept the Bombers in the fight.
While Rice will get the headlines, the victory wouldn't have been possible without a gritty performance from ace Max Fried. The lefty wasn't at his sharpest, but he battled through 6.2 innings, allowing three runs while striking out eight to earn his 12th win. He kept the Yankees in the game, handing the ball over to the bullpen with a chance to win. And when the game was on the line, Clay Holmes was automatic. He slammed the door in the ninth for his 27th save, a testament to his reliability at the back end of the bullpen.
Speaking of the future, the latest MLB rankings placed the Yankees' farm system at a respectable 13th overall following the 2025 draft. While the big-league club fights for a division title, the next wave of talent is developing. Keep an eye on names like shortstop George Lombard Jr., who has All-Star potential, hard-throwing pitcher Carlos Lagrange, and outfielder Spencer Jones, who continues to mash at Double-A. The pipeline is solid, ensuring the Bombers have reinforcements on the way.
For those hoping for a shakeup, Wednesday was a quiet day. The Yankees made no roster moves, sticking with the same lineup that featured a returning Giancarlo Stanton at DH. The trade deadline is looming, and while the front office is undoubtedly working the phones—likely for starting pitching help—no deals materialized today. For now, the focus is on the players in the clubhouse, who proved tonight they have what it takes to win.
This was more than just one win in late July; it was a statement. By snapping their losing streak against a division rival on the road, the Yankees have a chance to build some serious momentum. With the series finale tomorrow in Toronto, they can secure a massive series win and continue to chip away at that three-game deficit in the AL East. Let's see if the energy from Rice's blast can carry over and propel them forward.
