September 7, 2025

Yankees Ride Rice’s Three-Run Shot, Judge’s Defense to Critical Victory. Close Gap on Toronto to Two

Yankees

Yankees Ride Rice’s Three-Run Shot, Judge’s Defense to Critical Victory. Close Gap on Toronto to Two

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In the Bronx, on a Sunday afternoon thick with playoff tension, Aaron Judge once again showed why he is the heartbeat of the New York Yankees. A diving catch in right field saved a critical run, a daring stolen base set up the go-ahead tally, and three walks put him squarely in the center of nearly every rally. With Judge leading the way, the Yankees edged out the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 at Yankee Stadium, narrowing the gap in the American League East to just two games.

This was more than a win. It was a statement. Facing their division rival and current leader, the Yankees clawed back from adversity, leaned on a gritty start by Max Fried, and rode the power of Ben Rice, who belted a three-run shot in the first inning. 

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A First Inning Punch

The Yankees wasted no time setting the tone. After Judge worked a walk and Cody Bellinger singled, Rice stepped to the plate with the Bronx crowd buzzing. On a 2-2 count, he turned on a Max Scherzer fastball and launched it into the right-field seats for his 23rd home run of the year. The three-run blast electrified the stadium and immediately gave the Yankees breathing room against the veteran ace.

“That was huge,” manager Aaron Boone said postgame. “To jump on a pitcher like Max early and give Fried some run support, it changed the feel of the game right away.”

Toronto Responds

The Blue Jays, winners of eight of their first 13 against New York this season, refused to back down. In the second, Alejandro Kirk drew a walk before Ernie Clement doubled into the corner. Isiah Kiner-Falefa followed with an RBI single, and Nathan Lukes added a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 3-2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. later tied the game in the third with a double after an error by Anthony Volpe extended the inning.

Toronto’s lineup, deep and relentless, kept grinding at-bats against Fried. Guerrero, who finished the series with eight hits, once again looked like the fearsome force Toronto relies on. Yet Fried found ways to limit the damage, mixing pitches and keeping the ball on the ground when it mattered most.

Judge Takes Over

With the score tied in the bottom of the third, Judge reminded everyone why his presence is irreplaceable. After drawing another walk, he stole second base, his 11th of the year. Bellinger capitalized, driving him home with a double off the right-center wall to put New York back on top 4-3. It would prove to be the decisive run.

Defensively, Judge’s biggest moment came in the fourth. With Lukes on second and two outs, George Springer laced a 106.4 mph liner toward right field. Judge charged, laid out full extension, and snagged it just before it could drop. The play not only robbed Springer of an RBI but also ignited the crowd in a thunderous ovation that carried into the next inning.

“That was as good a defensive play as we’ve had all year,” Boone said. “Game-changer. If that ball drops, momentum swings completely. Instead, Judge makes the catch and the place erupts.”

Fried’s Grit on the Mound

Max Fried, now tied for the MLB lead in wins with 16, wasn’t dominant but delivered exactly what the Yankees needed. Over seven innings, he allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out four. His composure was especially critical in the third inning after Volpe’s costly throwing error. With runners on second and third and Guerrero already having tied the game, Fried retired Kirk and Clement before coaxing Ty France into a groundout. That escape kept the game tied and set the stage for Judge and Bellinger’s heroics.

“He grinded,” Boone said. “They hit him hard a few times, but he never flinched. He gave us seven innings when we really needed it.”

Bullpen Slams the Door

With Fried done after seven, Boone turned to Devin Williams for the eighth. It was not without drama. Pinch-hitter Addison Barger blooped a single to right, and Guerrero loomed on deck. Williams bore down, striking out Guerrero on a perfectly placed changeup before inducing groundouts from Kirk and France. The escape drew another roar from the crowd and set up closer David Bednar.

In the ninth, Lukes singled with one out, bringing the potential tying run aboard. Austin Wells, whose bat has been inconsistent, delivered a game-saving throw. On a steal attempt, Wells fired a laser to second base to cut down Lukes, erasing the threat. Moments later, Myles Straw grounded out to end it, and Bednar collected his 22nd save.

Numbers Tell the Story

The Yankees managed just three hits all afternoon, but they made them count. Rice’s homer and Bellinger’s double accounted for all four runs. Judge’s three walks and stolen base provided the difference-making opportunities. Meanwhile, Scherzer, pushed back a day due to back stiffness, lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits while issuing four walks and striking out eight.

For Toronto, Guerrero went 2-for-4 with an RBI double, while Springer, Clement, and Lukes each chipped in key hits. But the Jays stranded runners in crucial moments, finishing with just three runs despite eight hits.

Boone’s Perspective

Postgame, Boone praised his club’s resilience and highlighted the importance of winning the series.

“It feels good,” Boone said. “That’s the team we’re chasing. To win two of three after dropping the first one is a good series for us heading into the off day. Now it’s on to the next one.”

He also singled out Ryan McMahon’s glove work, comparing him to former Yankee Gio Urshela. “Mac looks like he’s slipping into a warm bath when he picks up a ground ball,” Boone joked. “Big arm, rangy, athletic—he’s really good over there.”

The Big Picture

The win tightened the standings and boosted morale. Toronto still owns the tiebreaker, having taken eight of 13 in the season series, but New York has momentum and health on its side. With Judge back in the field, Bellinger driving in runs, and Fried stabilizing the rotation, the Yankees are positioned for a late-season surge.

“I’ve felt for a while like we have a chance to be excellent,” Boone said. “We’re healthy, a lot of guys are in a good place, and now it’s time to go get it.”

What’s Next

The Yankees (80-63) now return home to host the Detroit Tigers in a three-game set beginning Tuesday. Rookie right-hander Will Warren (8-6, 4.28 ERA) gets the ball against Casey Mize (13-5, 3.87 ERA). Toronto (82-61) heads north to face the Houston Astros in another high-stakes matchup.

With the calendar inching closer to October, every game carries postseason implications. Sunday’s 4-3 win wasn’t just another tally in the standings—it was proof that the Yankees are building momentum at the right time, leaning on their captain’s leadership and the collective grit of a team hungry to reclaim the division crown.

As Judge dusted himself off after that diving catch, the stadium seemed to hold its breath. Plays like that don’t just win games—they define seasons. For the Yankees, it may very well be the moment everyone looks back on as the spark that lit their September surge.


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Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media Instagram - X.com

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