Full Breakdown
Yankees' Historic Home Run Duo Powers 4-2 Win Over Rangers
4/28/2026, 12:49:07 PM
Historic Power Surge: Judge and Rice Join Mantle and Berra
On Monday in Arlington, Aaron Judge and rookie first baseman Ben Rice each homered, bringing their season totals to 11 and 10. Their back-to-back blasts in the third inning made them only the second Yankees pair to record ten or more homers in the first 29 games, matching the 1956 achievement of Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. The performance underscores New York’s early-season power, highlighted by Judge’s league-leading home-run total.
Game Summary: Yankees 4, Rangers 2
The Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 4–2 at Globe Life Field. Max Fried (4-1) threw six scoreless innings, allowing four singles and two walks while striking out five and recording a pickoff, the fourth straight Yankees starter to do so. The Rangers managed two runs, with Joc Pederson’s solo homer in the seventh providing all their offense. Texas starter Jack Leiter (1-2) surrendered the three Yankees homers. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on his 32nd birthday.
Key Statistics and Player Performances
- Judge’s 11th homer tied the MLB lead; Rice’s 10th matched him a pitch later. Together they have 21 homers, outpacing the Giants, Brewers, Mets and Red Sox as a team.
- Fried’s line: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K, ERA 2.40, WHIP .774, fourth quality start.
- Rice’s recent power: six homers in his last 11 games, including a 404-foot opposite-field blast.
Official Statements & Team Reactions
Manager Aaron Boone called the duo “pretty good” and highlighted the rarity of their achievement. Fried credited the staff’s spring-training preparation for his success. Judge praised Rice’s consistency, calling his at-bats “must-watch TV.” Rice said he is confident he can keep his pace with Judge.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm glad that I don't have to face them, let's just put it that way,” — Max Fried, Yankees starter
- “Benny's off to an amazing start. Judgie, ho-hum, 11 homers already,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “Just consistent at-bat after consistent at-bat. Like it's must-watch TV at this point,” — Aaron Judge, Yankees outfielder
- “I’m not going to let Benny catch me.” — Ben Rice, Yankees first baseman
Looking Ahead: Tuesday’s Start
The series resumes Tuesday night at 8:05 p.m. ET. Jacob deGrom (2-0) will start for Texas, while the Yankees will counter with right-hander Cam Schlittler (3-1). Both clubs aim to extend recent success; the Yankees seek to keep their winning momentum and the Rangers hope to climb above .500.
