In a thrilling display of offensive firepower, the New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 10-5 on Wednesday night at Target Field in Minneapolis. Trent Grisham led the charge, blasting two home runs, while Cody Bellinger added a crucial two-run homer in the ninth to seal the victory. The win, powered by a robust offensive performance and solid relief pitching, brought the Yankees within four games of first-place Toronto in the AL East, with their record improving to 85-67.
Grisham’s Big Night
Trent Grisham was the undeniable star of the game, showcasing his power at the plate with a solo home run in the third inning and a three-run shot in the fourth, both off Twins starter Taj Bradley (6-8). His 33rd homer of the season, a towering blast onto the right-field plaza, gave the Yankees a commanding 6-2 lead. Grisham’s performance marked his 12th home run since August 20, underscoring his growing confidence and importance to the Yankees’ lineup.
In a post-game interview, Grisham reflected on the team’s offensive success, noting, “We just got a bunch of good guys that are coming together right now. I mean, we’ve been putting up the at-bats all year. I have a lot of faith in every guy in the lineup.” He attributed his personal success to a mental battle, emphasizing constant work and honesty with himself and his coaches. “It’s more of a mental battle getting up and getting ready for the game and really trying to stay locked in,” he said.
Bellinger and Judge Contribute to Offensive Onslaught
Cody Bellinger complemented Grisham’s heroics with a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Genesis Cabrera, further padding the Yankees’ lead. Bellinger’s ability to handle both left- and right-handed pitching has been a significant asset for New York, particularly in high-leverage situations. Manager Aaron Boone praised Bellinger’s versatility, stating, “It’s just such a luxury to have him behind Judge. He’s been excellent, especially with runners in scoring position.”
Aaron Judge, meanwhile, continued his stellar season, going 3-for-4 with a double and raising his major league-leading batting average to .329. Judge also stole his 12th base of the season, showcasing his all-around athleticism. His contributions on the bases and at the plate were critical in maintaining the Yankees’ momentum throughout the game. Boone highlighted Judge’s impact, saying, “Judge is doing his thing all over the bases.”
Twins Fight Back but Fall Short
The Twins, despite falling to 66-86, showed resilience with a three-run fifth inning that narrowed the gap to 7-5. Brooks Lee was a standout for Minnesota, collecting three hits, including a two-out, two-run single that fueled the rally. Austin Martin and Royce Lewis also contributed with two hits each, and Byron Buxton added a double. However, the Twins’ offense stalled after the fifth, as the Yankees’ bullpen shut them down.A critical moment came in the fifth when Royce Lewis lined a ball toward the right-center gap with runners on base. Bellinger, playing left field, made a spectacular running catch to preserve the Yankees’ lead. The defensive play underscored New York’s ability to combine offensive firepower with clutch fielding.
Pitching Struggles and Relief Redemption
Yankees starter Luis Gil had a challenging outing, lasting 4.2 innings and allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits. The four earned runs matched the total he had surrendered in his previous four starts combined, spanning 22.1 innings. Despite the rocky performance, Gil managed to keep the Twins’ potent offense at bay long enough for the bullpen to take over.Fernando Cruz (3-4) earned the win, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings and escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fifth. Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Camilo Doval followed with scoreless outings, combining for four strikeouts and allowing just two hits. Boone praised the bullpen’s effort, particularly Doval’s lights-out performance in the ninth, saying, “Camilo comes in and was lights out to finish it off.”For the Twins, Taj Bradley struggled, surrendering seven runs on eight hits over four innings. Relievers Travis Adams, Pierson Ohl, Kody Funderburk, Cole Sands, and Genesis Cabrera provided mixed results, with Cabrera yielding Bellinger’s ninth-inning homer. The Twins’ pitching staff was unable to contain the Yankees’ aggressive baserunning, which included stolen bases by Judge, Jasson Dominguez (two), and Jose Caballero.
Dominguez’s Impact and Baserunning
Jasson Dominguez, despite not being a regular in the lineup due to a recent tooth issue, made significant contributions. He doubled in the fourth to drive in a run and stole two bases, including a critical steal of third that set up Grisham’s second homer. Boone commended Dominguez’s preparation, noting, “He’s working hard behind the scenes to stay ready. There are opportunities that are going to present themselves, and he had really good at-bats today.”The Yankees’ aggressive baserunning was a key factor in their victory, with Boone highlighting the team’s speed and confidence. “I feel like as the season’s unfolded, [Caballero’s] gotten really good and really confident at trusting when we open him up that he can get bags,” Boone said. The manager expressed optimism about the team’s baserunning potential heading into the postseason, stating, “I feel like we have a number of guys where we can play that game, and I love having that.”
Defensive Highlights
The Yankees’ defense played a pivotal role in securing the win. Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a standout play at second base, turning a difficult throw into a double play that stifled a Twins rally. Grisham praised Chisholm’s effort, saying, “The one where he was kind of still turned over and still managed to get a good throw off to first was really, really special.” Bellinger’s catch in the fifth was another game-changer, preventing the Twins from potentially tying or taking the lead.The Twins, meanwhile, executed a double play of their own, with second baseman Luke Keaschall, shortstop Brooks Lee, and first baseman Edouard Julien combining to retire the Yankees in the second inning. However, an error by catcher Jhonny Pereda in the eighth allowed Dominguez to advance, leading to an insurance run.
Offensive Dominance in the Series
The Yankees’ 10-run outburst marked the 24th time this season they have scored 10 or more runs, the most in Major League Baseball. Over the first two games of the series, New York plated 20 runs, showcasing their offensive depth. Grisham credited the team’s collective effort, saying, “We’ve been putting up the at-bats all year. I have a lot of faith in every guy in the lineup, and 24 times turning around—that’s special to be a part of.”Boone echoed Grisham’s sentiments, emphasizing the contributions of multiple players. “Two great nights offensively, starting with Gish at the top having two big nights. Judge doing his thing, and finished off with a Belly bomb tonight,” he said. The manager also highlighted the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, both at the plate and on the bases.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees now head to Baltimore for a crucial four-game series against the Orioles, with left-hander Max Fried (17-5, 3.03 ERA) set to take the mound on Thursday. The series could have significant implications for the AL East race, as New York looks to close the gap on Toronto.The Twins, meanwhile, return home to face Cleveland in a four-game series starting Friday, with Pablo López (5-4, 2.64 ERA) scheduled to pitch the opener. Despite their struggles this season, Minnesota’s young core, including Lee, Martin, and Lewis, showed promise in this game, offering hope for the future.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees’ victory over the Twins was a testament to their balanced attack, combining power, speed, and defensive prowess. Grisham’s emergence as a consistent power threat, coupled with Judge’s MVP-caliber season and Bellinger’s clutch performance, makes New York a formidable contender as the postseason approaches. For the Twins, the game highlighted their offensive potential but underscored the need for more consistency on the mound.As both teams move forward, the Yankees appear poised to make a strong push in the AL East, while the Twins aim to build momentum heading into 2026. With standout performances like those seen at Target Field, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the 2025 season.Box Score Summary:Yankees (85-67): 10 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
Twins (66-86): 5 runs, 11 hits, 1 errorKey Performers:
– Trent Grisham: 2-for-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI
– Cody Bellinger: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI
– Aaron Judge: 3-for-4, 1 2B, 1 SB
– Brooks Lee (Twins): 3-for-4, 2 RBIPitching:
– Luis Gil (Yankees): 4.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 2 SO
– Fernando Cruz (Yankees, W, 3-4): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 SO
– Taj Bradley (Twins, L, 6-8): 4.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 4 SO
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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