Ben Rice delivered a crucial tie-breaking home run in the ninth inning, leading the New York Yankees to a 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. The dramatic hit ended the Blue Jays’ impressive 11-game home winning streak and narrowed their lead in the American League East to three games.
Key Moments and Early Scoring Highlights
Rice’s decisive blast came on the first pitch he saw from Jeff Hoffman (6-3), soaring over the right-center field wall with one out in the ninth. Earlier, Jazz Chisholm Jr. energized the Yankees’ offense with a three-run homer, while Cody Bellinger contributed with two doubles and a solo home run. Toronto’s Addison Barger responded with two RBI singles during the game.
The Yankees set the tone early against Max Scherzer when Trent Grisham opened with a single, followed by Bellinger’s double to right center. After Aaron Judge struck out, Chisholm launched a full-count fastball over the fence, giving New York an early 3-0 lead.
Blue Jays Fight to Stay in the Game
The Blue Jays countered quickly with a run in the bottom of the first inning off Cam Schlittler, marking his second career start. Toronto’s George Springer walked, followed by singles from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger to get runners on base. Despite the threat, Guerrero’s pop out kept the Yankees ahead.
Toronto loaded the bases in the second inning through an infield hit and two walks, but failed to score as Guerrero popped out again. Scherzer managed to retire six consecutive batters after this before Bellinger’s home run extended New York’s advantage. Scherzer gave up four runs, five hits, and one walk with four strikeouts over five innings.
Continuing Back-and-Forth Action
Toronto managed another run in the fifth inning when Springer and Guerrero singled, though Bo Bichette grounded into a double play. Barger brought in a run with an RBI single up the middle. Schlittler pitched five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out three.
In the sixth inning, a throwing error by Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe put pinch hitter Myles Straw on first base with Tim Hill pitching. Davis Schneider then followed with an RBI double to left field. When Jonathan Loaisiga replaced Hill, Springer’s single tied the game at 4-4.
Final Innings and the Clutch Hit
With the game tied and intense pressure in the ninth, Ian Hamilton replaced Luke Weaver with runners on base and managed to induce a key Springer lineout. Devin Williams then took over for New York, allowing a single but striking out two to earn his 15th save of the season. However, it was Rice’s earlier heroism that ultimately sealed the victory for the Yankees.
Impact of the Result on the AL East Race
This win for the Yankees not only snapped Toronto’s strong home winning streak but also reduced the Blue Jays’ division lead to just three games, bringing even more intensity to the AL East race as the season continues. Fans can expect both teams to bring competitive performances moving forward as they vie for playoff positioning.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Ben Rice’s salary?
A. In 2025, Rice’s base and total salary will both be $782,800.
Q. How much does Ben Rice get paid?
A. Ben Rice agreed to a one-year contract worth $782,800 with the New York Yankees in 2025. The entire amount of $782,800 is guaranteed, making his average yearly salary $782,800.