Ben Rice delivered a three-run home run and Will Warren struck out nine as the New York Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles 7-2 on Friday night at Yankee Stadium, continuing their strong run in series openers. The Yankees improved their mark in those games with another complete performance behind timely hitting and steady pitching.
New York wasted little time jumping ahead. After Aaron Judge worked a two-out walk in the first inning, Cody Bellinger lined a double down the right field line to bring him home. The offense erupted in the second inning, sending all nine hitters to the plate. José Caballero added a solo home run, and Rice’s three-run shot highlighted the frame, giving the Yankees early control.
Warren set the tone on the mound, retiring the side in order in the first before settling into a rhythm after a solo homer in the second. The right-hander pitched into the seventh inning, allowing two runs on three hits while issuing one walk. He finished with nine strikeouts, consistently working ahead in the count and limiting hard contact.
The Yankees added insurance late, with Amed Rosario driving in a run in the seventh and Judge adding another with a two-out single in the eighth. Bellinger also contributed with a pair of doubles, helping spark a lineup that produced throughout the night.
New York’s bullpen closed out the game after Warren’s departure, preserving the lead and securing the win.
The Yankees continue their series against Baltimore on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Ryan Weathers is set to start for New York against Kyle Bradish.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].