The New York Yankees capped off a dominant series against the Oakland Athletics in Sacramento with an explosive 12-2 win in Game 3, thanks to a four-hit performance from Aaron Judge and another grand slam from a member of the Yankees’ youth movement. Ben Rice launched his first career grand slam, marking the third such milestone for a Yankee this week, following Austin Wells and Jasson Domínguez. Also of note, every batter in the Yankees’ starting lineup Sunday contributed a hit except for Jorbit Vivas, who did contribute a sacrifice RBI.
Youth Movement Powers Another Slam
Ben Rice joined the grand slam party in style. With the bases loaded in the top of the fifth and the Yankees already in control, Rice launched a towering shot to right field for his first career grand slam, helping the Yankees extend an already deep lead of 6-1 to 10-1.
BEN ARROZ IS GRANDIOSO 🍚🍚🍚🍚 #repbx #firstgranny
— JP_YankeesGirl (@90syankskid) May 11, 2025
Remarkably, Rice’s slam comes just days after Austin Wells hit his own grand slam against the Padres and Jasson Domínguez crushed one in Game 1 of this A’s series. It marks the third first-time grand slam for a Yankee youth this week — a rare feat highlighting the strength and depth of the Yankees’ young core.
Judge’s Reign Continues
Aaron Judge continues to be a force of nature at the plate, going 4-for-5 on Sunday with a double and a two RBIs. His consistency has been otherworldly in 2025. After Sunday’s performance, Judge leads the majors in nearly every major offensive category, boasting a .409 batting average, 14 home runs (tied with Kyle Schwarber), 39 RBIs, a .494 on-base percentage, a .779 slugging percentage, an absurd 1.273 OPS, and 63 hits.
At this point, Judge isn’t just hot — he’s historic. His performance in Sacramento only bolstered his MVP-caliber start to the season, as pitchers continue to struggle to find a way to cool him off.
Yarbrough Notches First Win as a Yankee
Lefty Ryan Yarbrough gave the Yankees exactly what they needed on the mound. Making his second start in pinstripes, Yarbrough pitched five solid innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, striking out two and walking one. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient — and it earned him his first win as a Yankee.
Bullpen Slams the Door
The bullpen handled the rest with ease. Yerry De Los Santos delivered three shutout innings in relief, and Tyler Matzek followed with a clean ninth. The duo combined for four scoreless frames, preserving the Yankees’ blowout and allowing the offense to shine.
Athletics Series
Game 1: Yankees 10, Athletics 2, Win: Warren
Game 2: Yankees 7, Athletics 11, Loss: Cruz
Game 3: Yankees 12, Athletics 2, Win: Yarbrough
Looking Ahead: Seattle and Soto’s Bronx Return
The Yankees will remain on the West Coast as they head north for a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners beginning Monday. Seattle hasn’t dropped a series since April 6th when they were swept by the Giants. They enter the series with a 22-17 record, the best in the AL West.
After the Seattle series, the Yankees return to the Bronx for a highly anticipated Subway Series showdown with the Mets — a series that also marks Juan Soto’s first game back at Yankee Stadium since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. All eyes will be on Soto’s reception and the continued momentum of two of baseball’s hottest offensive lineups.
