Yankees Win Thriller in Toronto: Ben Rice’s Homer Breaks Tie in 9th, Beat Jays 5-4

By Oliver Wiener July 24, 2025 12:25

The New York Yankees edged out the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 Tuesday night in a riveting showdown at Rogers Centre, thanks largely to Ben Rice’s dramatic ninth-inning home run that broke the tie and ended Toronto’s franchise-record 11-game home winning streak. The win not only halted the Yankees’ five-game skid against the Jays but also kept them within striking distance in the fiercely competitive American League East race.

The game got off to an electrifying start as the Yankees seized an early 4-1 lead behind power hitting from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cody Bellinger. Chisholm crushed a three-run homer in the first inning, his 18th of the season, giving New York an early surge. Bellinger extended that lead with a solo blast in the fifth. Offensively, the Yankees seemed poised for a comfortable win despite Toronto starter Max Scherzer battling through five innings, surrendering four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four.

However, Toronto’s resilience shined brightest in the sixth inning. A costly throwing error by Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe his 13th error this season and second in as many games opened the floodgates. Pinch hitter Myles Straw reached base on Volpe’s miscue, and another pinch hitter, Davis Schneider, drove him home with a double. George Springer then tied the game with an RBI single, turning momentum toward the Blue Jays and evening the score at 4-4.

The ninth inning unfolded with all the tension of a playoff game. Toronto called on closer Jeff Hoffman, who had been solid with a 6-3 record, to protect the tie. Instead, Hoffman delivered a high 96.9 mph fastball on the very first pitch to Ben Rice, who sent a 389-foot fly ball over the right-center field fence the 15th home run of Rice’s breakout season . The bomb put the Yankees ahead 5-4 and electrified the visiting crowd.

Reflecting after the game, Rice said, “When that pitch came in, I knew I had to be ready. It felt great to help the team get that win, especially after some tough losses. Hopefully, this momentum carries forward.” His homer was a pivotal moment that shifted the narrative for the Yankees, who have battled inconsistency recently but still hold ambition for a strong divisional finish.

On the mound for New York, starter Cam Schlittler delivered a solid outing, allowing just two runs across five innings while walking three and punching out three. Relievers Tim Hill, Jonathan Loáisiga, Ian Hamilton, and Devin Williams (who recorded his 15th save in 16 chances) helped close out the game effectively. For Toronto, bullpen arms Mason Fluharty, Justin Bruihl, and Hoffman labored but ultimately couldn’t keep the Jays in front.

Statistically, the game showcased clutch hitting and tense pitching battles. Rice’s homer off Hoffman was the highlight, but the game’s drama extended into key defensive moments like Volpe’s error, reminding that baseball is a game of inches. The Blue Jays remain atop the AL East, holding a three-game lead over the Yankees, but New York’s win snaps Toronto’s four-game winning streak and raises hopes for an intense division race ahead.

Looking forward, the Yankees will send ace lefty Max Fried (11-3) to the mound in the series finale, hoping to build on the close victory. The Blue Jays will counter with a right-hander in hopes of regaining home dominance. This thrilling game was a reminder of the high stakes and rivalry intensity that define the AL East and that on any night, a single swing can change everything.

In summary, Tuesday's 5-4 Yankees win over the Blue Jays was a classic baseball thriller, marked by powerful hitting, critical defensive plays, and a clutch walk-off homer by Ben Rice that could serve as a turning point for New York’s season. Fans in Toronto and beyond witnessed high drama that lives up to the legacies of one of baseball’s fiercest rivalries.