TORONTO – The New York Yankees secured a narrow victory against the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks to Ben Rice’s decisive ninth-inning home run. Rice hit the go-ahead homer on the first pitch from Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman, leading to a 5-4 win at Rogers Centre.
“It was huge,” Rice said. “Obviously, we’d lost five in a row to these guys, so coming back and getting a win here – it gives us some good momentum.”
The victory ended New York’s losing streak at Rogers Centre this season and halted Toronto’s 11-game home winning streak. The Yankees are now three games behind the Blue Jays in the American League East standings.
“As hot as they’ve been, it definitely feels good,” manager Aaron Boone said. “We’ve got a chance to win a series now and get off on a good note in the second half.”
Rice credited Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s advice for his success at bat. Chisholm suggested Rice should adjust his swing timing during an earlier inning.
“It was a good conversation,” Rice said. “He was saying, ‘The timing looks good, but just find a way to shorten up.’ … I just looked at some video real quick.”
Chisholm also contributed with a three-run homer earlier in the game against Max Scherzer. Cody Bellinger added to the Yankees’ lead with a solo home run and several defensive plays.
“I’ve faced him so many times; I’ve seen all of his pitches for the last six years,” Chisholm said about facing Scherzer.
Toronto responded by narrowing the lead in the fifth inning against rookie Cam Schlittler, who allowed two runs in his second Major League start.
“They don’t miss much. They don’t strike out much,” Schlittler commented on Toronto’s lineup.
An error by Anthony Volpe led to additional opportunities for Toronto in the sixth inning. Despite this setback, Yankees pitchers managed to contain further damage.
Luke Weaver and Ian Hamilton helped maintain control until Rice’s crucial homer secured their lead again. Devin Williams then closed out the game for his 15th save of the season.
“I just heard all the fans cheering – I looked up and it was about to land on me,” Williams remarked after witnessing Rice’s home run land near him.
