The Yankees Bounce Back Against the Twins

The Yankees appeared revitalized, showcasing a fresh energy and different results against a team they know quite well.

Perhaps the lineup felt more complete, even without Aaron Judge. Trent Grisham launched a leadoff homer, marking his return from the injured list. Ryan McMahon contributed a double and experienced a notable nine walks. The two players, both absent during the team’s losing streak, helped rack up four of the team’s five runs.

Maybe the recent storm had cleared, as the skies brightened after the third inning, washing away the dirt and grime that seemed to cling to the Yankees’ recent performances.

Then there was Gerrit Cole, a fierce competitor, who pushed through five solid innings despite a lengthy rain delay. It’s hard to say if he was just there to deliver a strong punch whenever the Yankees needed it.

Whatever the reason, the Yankees stepped up on Friday night, defeating the Twins 5-2 in front of 45,104 fans, breaking their most prolonged losing stretch this season. Many attendees braved the rain to enjoy the Bronx fireworks afterward.

“We were in a rut,” Cole acknowledged. Even after the long interruption, they limited the Twins to just two runs in the fifth. “I really needed this today.”

The Yankees (49-38) ended a frustrating slide with their first win since June 24 and their highest run total since June 19. They hadn’t scored five runs in 12 consecutive games.

During that slump, Grisham missed three weeks due to a hamstring strain. He returned to center field, moved back to the lineup’s top spot, and made an immediate impact. Manager Aaron Boone praised his “classic Grisham at-bat” in the first inning.

He finished with a hit, worked a full count, and crushed a changeup into the right-field stands.

This remarkable performance came despite only a brief rehab stint.

“It felt like we never left,” Grisham reflected, recalling how difficult it was to watch the team struggle from the sidelines. “I expected to have to readjust a bit.”

McMahon, returning from a throat infection, made smooth plays at third base, aiding Fernando Cruz in a tricky eighth inning and allowing Jose Caballero to return to his natural shortstop position.

As for defense, it was notably tighter, especially after conceding 17 earned runs during the slump.

“It was a rough week for us, but we were able to pitch a complete game,” Boone said. “That feels good.”

Ben Rice, who had been mired in a slump, connected with Grisham’s single in the third and hit his 24th home run of the season, giving the team critical runs.

They also scored during McMahon’s double in the seventh and added another on Grisham’s sacrifice fly.

Cole regained his form on this notable return day. After a tough start that included a home run from Cody Clemens, he only allowed an RBI from Victor Caratini in the fourth—an inning that showcased his resilience.

During the rain delay, he threw pitches every 10 minutes, trying to stay ready for action, and convinced Boone to let him return for the fifth inning.

Supporting Cole were Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, Cruz, and David Bednar, who all played pivotal roles in overcoming a challenging Twins lineup.

Historically, the Yankees hold a 112-44 record against Minnesota since 2002, which is the best record for any team facing another during that timeframe.

Despite the Twins making the playoffs in ten of those seasons, they haven’t faltered offensively against teams outside of pinstripes.

No matter the reason behind it, the slide is finally over.

“I think everyone was ready to turn the corner,” Rice noted.