NEW YORK — The New York Yankees showcased their offensive firepower and stellar pitching in a commanding 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night at Yankee Stadium. Will Warren delivered a standout performance, becoming the first Yankees starter in a month to pitch into the seventh inning, while Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, Ben Rice, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. provided the pop with four home runs to secure the win.
Warren’s Breakthrough Performance
Will Warren (7-5) was the star of the night, tossing 6 2/3 innings and allowing just three hits and two runs, both via solo homers from Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach. The right-hander struck out seven without issuing a walk, displaying pinpoint control and efficiency with 85 pitches, 60 for strikes. His ability to navigate through the Twins’ lineup marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Yankees starter since Carlos Rodón’s eight-inning gem against the Chicago Cubs on July 11 to record an out in the seventh.Warren carried a shutout into the fifth inning until Buxton’s 24th homer of the season broke the scoreless bid. He was one strike away from escaping the seventh unscathed when Larnach connected for his 16th homer. Despite the two long balls, Warren’s composure and effectiveness kept the Twins’ offense in check, setting the stage for the Yankees’ bullpen to close out the game.Luke Weaver and David Bednar handled the final 2 1/3 innings, with Weaver earning his 12th hold and Bednar sealing the victory with a perfect ninth. The bullpen’s efficiency complemented Warren’s effort, ensuring the Twins’ bats remained quiet after their two solo shots.
Power Surge Fuels Yankees’ Offense
The Yankees’ lineup wasted no time asserting dominance against Twins starter Zebby Matthews (3-4). Cody Bellinger snapped a 12-game homerless drought in the first inning, launching his 21st home run of the season to give New York an early 1-0 lead. The third inning saw back-to-back homers from Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice, marking the eighth time this season the Yankees have hit consecutive long balls.
Stanton, who has been on a tear with 10 homers in his last 25 games, crushed a fastball from Matthews into the right-center field bullpen for his 11th of the year. Rice followed with a slider-driven shot to right field, his 17th, pushing the lead to 3-0. The Yankees improved to an impressive 10-3 record when hitting at least four homers in a game this season.
The seventh inning saw additional insurance runs, with Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge delivering RBI singles to extend the lead to 5-1. Jazz Chisholm Jr. capped the scoring in the eighth with his 20th homer, a solo shot that finalized the 6-2 margin. Chisholm also stole his 15th base of the season, adding a dynamic element to his 1-for-3 night with a walk and two strikeouts.
Twins’ Struggles Against Yankees Continue
The Twins (56-62) continued their recent woes against the Yankees, dropping their 23rd game in the last 30 regular-season meetings. Matthews, making his start for Minnesota, struggled with command, allowing six hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out nine but tied a career high by surrendering three homers, a costly outing against a potent Yankees lineup.Buxton’s and Larnach’s homers accounted for the Twins’ only offense, with the team managing just three hits total. Minnesota’s lineup, featuring players like Kody Clemens, Ryan Jeffers, and Royce Lewis, failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving runners in scoring position and striking out 11 times against Warren and the Yankees’ relievers.A fielding error by Buxton in center field further compounded the Twins’ challenges, contributing to their lone error of the game. The loss highlighted Minnesota’s ongoing struggles in the Bronx, where the Yankees (63-56) have dominated this matchup in recent years.
Key Moments and Standout Performances
Several moments defined the Yankees’ victory. Bellinger’s early homer set the tone, while Stanton and Rice’s back-to-back blasts in the third provided a comfortable cushion. Warren’s ability to pitch deep into the game alleviated pressure on the bullpen, a critical factor given the Yankees’ recent reliance on relievers in shorter starts.Chisholm’s multi-faceted contribution—homer, stolen base, and a walk—earned him recognition as one of the players of the game alongside Warren. Stanton’s continued power surge, including his first homer while playing the field since August 3, 2023, against Houston, underscored his resurgence as a key offensive weapon.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees, now 63-56, snapped a streak of series opener losses since the All-Star break, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the series. Carlos Rodón (11-7, 3.35 ERA) takes the mound for New York on Tuesday night, looking to build on his strong July performance. The Twins, meanwhile, are expected to counter with a bullpen game, a strategy that could test their depth against a Yankees lineup that has proven lethal when clicking.Monday’s win highlighted the Yankees’ potential when their starting pitching and power hitting align. Warren’s emergence as a reliable arm and the offensive contributions from Bellinger, Stanton, Rice, and Chisholm provide optimism as New York pushes for a strong finish to the season. For the Twins, the loss underscores the need for offensive consistency and sharper pitching to compete against top-tier opponents like the Yankees.
Box Score Highlights
Twins (56-62):
Hits: 3 (Buxton 1-4, HR; Larnach 1-3, HR; Lewis 1-3)
RBI: Buxton (60), Larnach (49)
Pitching: Matthews (L, 3-4), 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 9 SO
Pitching: Warren (W, 7-5), 6.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 7 SO
Attendance: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NYThe Yankees’ blend of dominant pitching and timely power hitting made Monday’s win a statement performance, one that could signal a turning point as they aim to solidify their postseason positioning.
Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media
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