CLUTCH IN THE BRONX: Yankees Edge Phillies 4–3 in Thrilling Finish Behind Stellar Late-Inning Execution
NEW YORK — July 27, 2025
Under the weight of a roaring Yankee Stadium crowd and the heat of a tight race in the American League East, the New York Yankees delivered a win that was equal parts grit, timing, and pure Bronx resolve. A tightly contested 4–3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday was more than just another check in the win column — it was a glimpse of the Yankees’ postseason-caliber heartbeat in motion.
With the game tied late, it was the Yankees’ relentless lineup and clutch execution that made the difference — none more visible than in the form of a pivotal RBI single by rookie standout Ben Rice, whose breakout campaign has captured the attention of the league.
A Battle From First Pitch to Final Out
From the outset, both teams traded momentum. Phillies starter Zack Wheeler kept New York hitters off balance early with a darting fastball and a late-breaking slider. Meanwhile, Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman battled through six gutsy innings, allowing just two runs while scattering seven hits and fanning five.
After falling behind 2–1, the Yankees clawed back in the sixth with a game-tying homer by Aaron Judge — a towering shot into the left-field seats that left no doubt. From there, the Bronx Bombers leaned into timely hitting and patient at-bats, forcing Phillies relievers to labor through every pitch.
Rookie Rising: Rice Rakes in the Clutch
In the bottom of the eighth, with two outs and runners on second and third, it was the rookie who came through. Ben Rice lined a 2–2 pitch into right-center, scoring the go-ahead run and sending the stadium into a frenzy. The 25-year-old first baseman has made headlines all summer with his poise, and tonight proved to be his biggest stage yet.
“I just wanted to keep it simple, stay through the ball,” Rice said postgame, still smiling. “This team has a lot of veterans who’ve been showing me the ropes, and I just wanted to do my part.”
Holmes Seals the Deal
Closer Clay Holmes came in for the ninth and delivered a high-wire act, putting two men on with one out before inducing a game-ending double play that sent fans to their feet. With his 23rd save of the year, Holmes continues to anchor a bullpen that’s quietly become one of the league’s most reliable units.
Yankees Keep the Pressure On
The win keeps the Yankees within striking distance of first place in the AL East, and it reinforced one growing narrative: this team is evolving, and its blend of veteran leadership and young firepower may just be the recipe for October success.
Manager Aaron Boone praised the effort postgame:
“That’s a really good Phillies club over there, and our guys battled pitch by pitch. From Stroman’s guts to Rice’s poise, it was a total team win. I love how we’re competing.”
Up Next
The Yankees will wrap up the series against the Phillies on Sunday with Carlos Rodón set to take the mound. A win would secure the series and offer more fuel to an already resurgent Yankees roster.