Yankees overcame a nearly 2-hour rain delay at Steinbrenner Field to crush the Rays 13–3 with a franchise-record nine homers in Yankees vs Rays match. Here’s how the weather shaped the fireworks.
Yankees vs Rays Game-Day Drama: Rain Delay Sets the Stage
Tuesday night’s Yankees–Rays series opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa faced a long, rain-induced delay. The tarp went on early as storms threatened. Roughly 1 hour and 55 minutes later, the field was cleared, and first pitch was pushed to 9:30 p.m. ET—a late change that disrupted timing but didn’t cool the action. Carlos Rodón remained the scheduled starter for New York despite the delay.
Weather’s Impact: How Tampa’s Climate Played a Role
Tampa’s summer thunderstorms are notorious—especially now that the Rays play at the open-air Yankee training ballpark due to Tropicana Field’s hurricane damage. This game was no exception, with afternoon storms pushing the opener into the 9 PM hour. Despite the heat (highs near 94°F), the weather cleared enough to deliver fireworks.
Silver Linings & Yankee Blast Show
When the game finally began, the Yankees turned storm delays into slugfest gold:
- 9 home runs, matching a single-game team record
- 13–3 victory with 3,419 feet of total homers
- Notable off the bat: Aaron Judge (40th HR), Giancarlo Stanton (two HRs), Cody Bellinger (two), José Caballero (two), Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Ben Rice
Carlos Rodón staked New York with six strong innings and two earned runs, helping preserve the lead amid Rays’ shaky pitching. The Yankees, now 68–57, moved into sole possession of the first AL Wild Card spot and second place in the AL East.
How Steinbrenner Field Became the Setting
With Tropicana Field damaged beyond 2025 use, the Rays shifted home games to Steinbrenner Field—the spring training home of the Yankees—creating a unique home/away dynamic. The open stadium brought rain delays, but the Yankees made it feel like home—homers flew and the win came easily.
Homer Happy. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/01RjqRJiXW
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 20, 2025
What’s Next in Rays–Yankees Series?
- Game 2 looms with Rays looking to avenge the blowout
- Roster notes: Yankees are short-handed in the bullpen; Jonathan Loáisiga (elbow soreness) and Brent Headrick (forearm) are injured, while Amed Rosario returned from IL. Aaron Judge, now healthier, may resume outfield duties soon, easing lineup flexibility.
Jake Bird, David Bednar, and Camilo Doval bolstered the Yankees’ bullpen around deadline, offering depth. And José Caballero—who homered twice—made a rare mid-game return from the Rays after being traded during play.
Quick Takeaways Table
| Aspect | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Rain Delay Impact | Nearly 2-hour waiting period. Newman’s enthusiasm didn’t wane. |
| Steelbrenner Field | Sub-regional stadium, filled with Tampa heat and unique identity. |
| Yankees Power Surge | 9 HRs tied team record; Judge joined elite company with 40 homers this season. |
| Team Momentum | Move into AL Wild Card lead with a statement win. |
| Injury & Roster Shape | Judge’s upcoming return, bullpen trades add cover; Rays need bounce-back. |