Ryan McMahon hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the eighth inning to help the New York Yankees secure a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on Apr. 18. The infielder, who has struggled early this season, credited extra practice swings taken before the game for his performance.
McMahon’s efforts come during a challenging period for him, as he has found it difficult to find consistency at the plate. “It’s been tough,” McMahon said. “I love this game; I love doing this with these guys. The goal is to win a World Series, and you want to be somebody who helps out. It’s been grinding on me. You get sick and tired of it, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to figure it out. For me, you just never, ever quit.”
Manager Aaron Boone explained that McMahon was not in Friday’s starting lineup due in part to pitcher Michael Wacha’s reverse splits and noted that upcoming games against left-handed starters would likely further limit McMahon’s playing time. Despite entering Friday with only five singles for the season, McMahon made his sixth hit count by sending an Alex Lange changeup over the left-field wall.
McMahon said he spent much of his pregame time taking swings in batting cages: “Six out of seven innings, I was in there taking swings,” he said. He also described working with coaches during the offseason via Zoom calls on mechanical adjustments after being acquired from Colorado last July.
Boone acknowledged that Amed Rosario has earned more opportunities at third base but praised McMahon’s perseverance: “He’s had success in this league for a while, so he knows he’s capable,” Boone said. “But when you’re going through it, it can be tough… we do feel like he’s moved the needle this last week with what he’s working on.” Ben Rice added support for his teammate: “I’m here with him early all the time… He’s a ballplayer, man. He grinds.”
The Yankees’ bullpen had faced recent struggles but managed to hold off Kansas City after Camilo Doval surrendered a game-tying home run earlier in the eighth inning.
McMahon celebrated enthusiastically after helping seal New York’s victory and reflected on sharing those moments with teammates: “That’s what’s the most fun – coming back in here, celebrating with the guys… It’s fun to celebrate.”
