The New York Yankees leaned on the long ball Wednesday night, hitting three home runs and getting a historic grand slam from George Lombard Jr. in a 6-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
FRESH TAKES: 2026 NFL Preview (podcast) Lombard’s third-inning blast was the first grand slam of his career and made him the youngest Yankees player to accomplish the feat since Mickey Mantle in 1952.
The victory moved New York to 83-62 on the season, keeping the Yankees four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the American League East. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta earlier Wednesday. New York’s magic number to secure a postseason berth is now five.
Luis Garcia Jr. opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning before Lombard broke the game open with his bases-loaded drive to right field in the third. Cody Bellinger added another solo homer in the eighth inning.
Will Warren turned in a strong start despite working through some trouble. After a relatively smooth opening two innings, Warren allowed a leadoff double and a walk in the third but escaped without allowing a run. Colorado eventually got on the board in the fifth when Connor Norby homered. Warren responded by inducing Cole Carrigg into an inning-ending double play.
Warren completed six innings, surrendering one run on four hits and two walks while striking out eight. He had pitched in relief Friday.
John Schreiber, Paul Blackburn and Michael Fulmer combined for three scoreless innings to finish the victory.
Aaron Judge also recorded his first hits since returning from the injured list, collecting two singles in four at-bats.
The Yankees and Rockies conclude their series Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Max Fried will start for New York against Colorado’s Ryan Feltner.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.