Ben Rice delivered a clutch solo home run in the ninth inning to power the New York Yankees past the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-4, on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre, helping the Bronx Bombers even the three-game series.
New York jumped out early, tagging Max Scherzer for three runs in the first. Jazz Chisholm Jr. did the damage with a three-run homer, his 18th of the season, after hits from Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger set the table. Bellinger added to the lead with a solo shot in the fifth, also his 18th of the season, part of a strong 3-for-4 showing at the plate.
Cam Schlittler, making his second career start, labored through five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks. He worked around early trouble and was helped by a key double play turned by Anthony Volpe and Chisholm to keep the lead intact.
The bullpen, however, nearly let the lead slip away. A throwing error by Anthony Volpe and back-to-back hits in the sixth allowed Toronto to tie the game. Volpe’s miscue was his 13th error of the year, tying him with San Francisco’s Willy Adames for the most in MLB. Luke Weaver helped stop the bleeding, and Devin Williams shut the door in the ninth with two strikeouts to earn the save.
Rice, who entered the game with one hit in his last 18 at-bats, came through with the game-winner, launching a first-pitch fastball into the bullpen in right-center.
The Yankees (56-45) send Max Fried to the mound Wednesday night as they look to take the rubber match.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].