The New York Yankees made Major League Baseball history by hitting nine home runs in a single game for the second time this season, becoming the first team ever to achieve this feat twice in one year, in a dominant 13-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. This performance tied the Yankees’ franchise record for most home runs in a game, set earlier in the season, and highlighted the team’s powerful offense amidst a playoff push.
The key players involved were several Yankees hitters, including Aaron Judge, who hit his 40th home run of the season, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger, who each hit two home runs, and José Caballero, who also hit two homers for his first career multihomer game. Additional contributions came from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice, who added to the home run tally, showcasing a deep and explosive lineup that capitalized on the opposing pitching.
The event took place on Tuesday night, August 19, 2025, in a game that was delayed by nearly two hours due to rain before the first pitch. The Yankees’ offense erupted early and often, setting the tone for a lopsided contest that lasted 2 hours and 55 minutes, with a relatively small crowd of 10,046 in attendance due to the Rays’ temporary home venue.
The game was held at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, which is serving as the Rays’ home ballpark while Tropicana Field undergoes repairs. This stadium, known for its cozy dimensions and use as a spring training site, may have contributed to the power display, but the Yankees’ hitters demonstrated exceptional skill regardless of the environment.
This achievement is significant because it marks the first time in MLB history that a team has hit nine or more home runs in two separate games within a single season. The Yankees previously accomplished this on March 29, 2025, in a 20-9 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, and this repeat performance underscores the historical rarity and offensive prowess of the 2025 squad, earning them the nickname “Bronx Bombers” in a nod to franchise tradition.
How the Yankees achieved this was through a combination of patient at-bats and capitalizing on mistakes by Rays pitcher Shane Baz, who allowed five home runs in just three innings of work. The game started with back-to-back-to-back home runs by Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton in the first inning, a feat the Yankees have now done three times this season, also setting a major league record for most such instances in one year. Carlos Rodón pitched effectively for six innings, allowing two runs and securing his 13th win of the season.
The impact of this game is multifaceted: it boosts the Yankees’ record to 68-57, keeping them in contention in the American League East, where they trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 5 games. Individually, Judge’s 40th homer places him in elite company as only the fourth Yankees player with at least four 40-homer seasons, alongside legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. This performance also demoralizes the Rays, who fall to 61-65 and face diminishing playoff hopes.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will aim to build on this momentum in their next game against the Rays, with rookie Cam Schlittler scheduled to pitch against Drew Rasmussen. Historically, such offensive outbursts can energize a team for a postseason run, and the Yankees will hope this record-setting night propels them towards October baseball, while the Rays focus on regrouping and developing young talent for the future.