The New York Yankees broke out of a scoring slump with a 12-4 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. A pregame speech by Jazz Chisholm Jr. helped fuel the offensive surge that included six runs in the third inning.
The Yankees collected 12 hits and went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Ben Rice hit two home runs while Ryan McMahon added two doubles, combining for seven RBIs and four runs scored.
The outburst ended a stretch in which New York scored just 36 runs over 13 games. Hitting coach James Rowson credited the team for passing the baton and trusting each other at the plate.
Chisholm delivered an impassioned message in the hitters meeting before the game. Rowson said the reminder to stick together during tough times resonated with the players and came at the right moment.
Manager Aaron Boone noted the quality of at-bats against All-Star Drew Rasmussen, who had posted a 0.89 career ERA against the Yankees. The win came as New York continues to play without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
