Yankees Tie Franchise Record: Nine Homers Rout Rays

The New York Yankees put on a wild power show at Steinbrenner Field, tying their franchise record by smashing nine home runs in a 13-3 blowout over the Tampa Bay Rays. It wasn’t just another night at the office — the Yankees became the first team in Major League Baseball history to hit nine homers in a game twice in one season.

The early innings were pure chaos. There were milestone moments, fireworks, and that unmistakable feeling that the Bronx Bombers have found their groove at just the right time.

Record-Breaking Home Run Barrage

Seven Yankees homers landed in the first four innings. The game never really felt close after that.

In the opening frame, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton went back-to-back-to-back. The crowd lost it, and honestly, the Rays never recovered.

Historic First-Inning Power Surge

This was the Yankees’ third game of 2024 with three consecutive home runs. That ties them with the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers and the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers for the most in a season.

For a lineup loaded with sluggers, these power bursts have become their calling card. It’s the kind of thing that rattles opponents and gets everyone in the dugout believing.

Key Performances that Defined the Night

Several Yankees stepped up and turned what could’ve been a routine win into a record-setter. The mix of big names and new faces made it even sweeter.

Giancarlo Stanton’s Continued Hot Streak

Stanton crushed two more homers, giving him 13 home runs in his past 29 games. His late-season surge has become a major storyline for New York.

When Stanton’s locked in, he can flip a game with a single swing. Not many guys can do that.

Aaron Judge Joins Legendary Company

Judge hit a monster 429-foot shot, his 40th of the year. Only three other Yankees have posted four separate 40-homer seasons: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle.

Judge just keeps reminding everyone he belongs in that rarefied air.

Cody Bellinger’s Four-Hit Night

Bellinger didn’t just homer twice — he racked up four hits overall. His combo of power and contact is exactly what the Yankees need right now.

José Caballero’s First Yankee Home Run

Caballero, who joined the team earlier this year, picked a great time for his first Yankee homer. He did it in the second inning, against his old club, which had to feel extra sweet.

Solid Pitching Backs Up the Power Display

While the bats stole the show, Carlos Rodón quietly handled business. He tossed six innings and allowed just two runs.

There was a long rain delay before the game, but Rodón didn’t let it throw him off. He kept things steady and never let the Rays get back in it.

Playoff Implications and Standings Update

This win wasn’t just about the record books. The Yankees jumped into sole possession of the American League’s first Wild Card spot and moved up to second place in the AL East.

They’re now five games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays. With the offense rolling like this, who’s counting them out?

Looking Ahead

If the Yankees can keep producing like this — with both their stars shining and the rest of the roster chipping in — they could be a real problem for any team in October.

Sure, Toronto might still have the edge in the AL East right now. But with Judge, Stanton, and Bellinger all locked in, who’s to say a late-season surge isn’t possible?

—

Would you like me to also prepare a **meta title and meta description** optimized for search engines so this blog post ranks higher? That would help maximize its reach.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees belt franchise record-tying nine homers in destruction of Rays