Yankees Power Past Rays 7–4 Before Lengthy Rain Delay

The New York Yankees jumped out to a commanding early lead Thursday afternoon, riding home runs from Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton to secure a 7–4 victory over the struggling Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The win came in the final game before the MLB trade deadline and was paused by a 2-hour, 45-minute rain delay after the fifth inning.

Stanton opened the scoring in the first inning with a towering two-run blast, his eighth since returning from the injured list. Two batters earlier, Paul Goldschmidt reached on a double when Tampa shortstop Taylor Walls lost a pop-up in the sun. Cody Bellinger followed with an RBI single, setting the stage for Stanton’s shot off Rays starter Ryan Pepiot (6–9).

In the second inning, Ben Rice, starting as leadoff for the 21st time this season, delivered a three-run homer—his 16th—after Ryan McMahon and Anthony Volpe reached base. The powerful swing off Pepiot gave the Yankees a 6–0 advantage.

Rice, who entered the game in a slump (3-for-25), crushed a 2-2 cutter into the Yankees’ bullpen in right-center.

The Rays responded with a four-run fourth inning against Marcus Stroman (3–2). Jonathan Aranda drove in a run with a single but later exited after a collision with Stanton at first base. Tampa also lost Yandy Díaz to a bruised forearm after being hit by a pitch, and rookie Chandler Simpson exited after an apparent hand injury.

Despite the Rays’ push, Jonny DeLuca, Taylor Walls, and Junior Caminero all chipped in RBIs—the Yankees’ bullpen held. Yerry de Los Santos struck out five over three innings, and Jonathan Loaisiga secured his first save of the season.

The rain began falling in the fourth inning and intensified in the fifth. Play was halted after Jasson Dominguez drew a walk and did not resume until nearly three hours later.

Pepiot lasted four innings, surrendering seven runs on six hits, with three walks and four strikeouts. Stroman gave up four runs on six hits in five innings, ending his outing with a double play before the rain delay.

With the win, New York has now taken four of its last five games, while the Rays dropped their third straight and continue to slide in the AL East.