Yankees Smash Franchise Record with Nine Home Runs Against Rays
The New York Yankees achieved a remarkable feat by hitting a franchise record-tying nine home runs in a commanding 13-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on August 29, 2023. Following a nearly two-hour delay due to rain and lightning, the Yankees showcased their power at the plate, setting the tone early with consecutive home runs by Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton in the first inning.
This latest performance matches the previous record the Yankees set earlier this season during a 20-9 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in March. With this achievement, the Yankees have made history as the first franchise in Major League Baseball (MLB) to record two games with nine home runs in the same season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed pride in the team’s offensive prowess, stating, “To do it twice, that’s remarkable. Just a really impressive offensive showing against a team that is not always easy to score runs against.”
The Yankees came close to matching the all-time MLB record of ten home runs in a single game, which was set by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1987. In this game, Bellinger, Stanton, and José Caballero contributed two homers each, while Judge, Ben Rice, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. added one apiece. Bellinger highlighted the team’s confidence, noting, “We have a really good offense. The talent’s there, and we’re doing a good job of putting it all together. It’s been fun to be a part of.”
As a result of this victory, the Yankees improved their season record to 68-57, positioning themselves at the top of the American League Wild Card standings, just five games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. In contrast, the Rays fell to 61-65, placing them fourth in the division.
The second game of the series is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Tampa, where the Yankees will look to continue their winning momentum. The combination of strong hitting and strategic play could further solidify their playoff aspirations as the season approaches its climax.
