Ben Rice delivered a two-run home run in the ninth inning, lifting the New York Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday at Rogers Centre. The win secured the series for the Yankees (43-27), who used a late offensive surge to pull away from the Blue Jays (34-38) after entering the ninth deadlocked at 3-3.
Much like Saturday’s victory, New York found its game-changing swing in the final inning. Rice drilled a slider over the right-field wall for his team-leading 19th home run, giving the Yankees a lead they would not surrender. José Caballero followed with a three-run homer later in the frame as New York scored five runs in the ninth to break the game open.
Anthony Volpe helped pace the offense earlier, driving in runs with singles in the second and sixth innings. Ali Sanchez also contributed, collecting his first hit and RBI as a Yankee with a run-scoring double in the second.
Will Warren battled through another tough outing. The right-hander allowed two runs on eight hits across four innings while throwing 98 pitches. Toronto tied the game in the sixth when Davis Schneider connected for a solo homer off Jake Bird after the Yankees had reclaimed a brief lead.
The Yankees bullpen settled things from there, keeping the Blue Jays off the board before the offense erupted in the ninth. New York has now won five of its last six games despite continuing to play without Aaron Judge.
The Yankees return home Tuesday to begin a series with the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
