Full Breakdown
Yankees End Seven-Game Slide with 5-2 Victory Over Twins
7/4/2026, 1:34:28 PM
Game Summary
On July 3, 2026, the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 5–2 at Yankee Stadium, halting a seven-game losing streak. Gerrit Cole pitched five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking none. Ben Rice supplied a go-ahead two-run homer in the third, and Trent Grisham opened the game with a leadoff homer. The bullpen delivered four scoreless frames, and David Bednar closed with his 17th save.
Key Statistics
- Final: Yankees 5, Twins 2.
- Cole: 5 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 7 K, 0 BB (season 3-3); Rice: 2 RBI, 24th homer.
- Grisham: leadoff homer, later a sacrifice fly (2 RBI).
- Twins’ Mike Paredes (rookie): 0-2, 4 IP, 3 R, 4 H.
- Twins entered with 110 HR (9th in MLB).
- Yankees lead Twins 112-44 since 2002 (128-46 incl. postseason).
- Game had a 53-minute rain delay in 92 °F heat.
Context and Recent Struggles
The Yankees entered the series after six straight losses, including a sweep by Detroit. Cole had surrendered seven home runs in his previous five starts, posting a 6.12 ERA and 5.95 FIP. The Twins, rebuilding after a trade-deadline overhaul, remained in the AL Central race but relied on power hitters Josh Bell (56 HR) and Byron Buxton (25 HR, sidelined).
Player Contributions
Cole’s five-inning effort limited Minnesota’s offense despite the rain delay. Rice’s two-run blast broke a 1-1 tie. Grisham’s leadoff homer and sacrifice fly accounted for two runs. Ryan McMahon returned from a throat infection, adding a leadoff double and solid defense. Carlos Rodón was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation.
Official Statements & Responses
Aaron Boone praised Grisham and McMahon as “a big part of this team” and said the win felt like “turning the corner.” Cole called the stretch “a rut” and stressed the victory’s importance. Rodón said his recovery was “off and on” and required a platelet-rich plasma injection.
Criticism of Recent Pitching
Analysts highlighted Cole’s vulnerability to home runs, noting betting markets listed odds for him to allow over 2.5 earned runs. The Yankees’ reliance on his rebound was seen as a risk given his recent home-run rate.
Future Outlook
Minnesota will start Zebby Matthews (4-5, 4.15 ERA) on July 4. New York, 49-38, begins a four-game series vs. the Rays on Monday and promotes Triple-A rookie Brendan Beck.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We needed this one today.” — Gerrit Cole, Pitcher
- “It was like I never left,” — Trent Grisham, Outfielder
- “I think everyone is ready to turn the corner and happy we were able to get a win tonight,” — Ben Rice, Outfielder
- “It’s kind of like off and on the last couple of weeks,” — Carlos Rodón, Pitcher
