New York Yankees Rally Past Rays Behind Rookie’s Dominance and Stanton’s Heroics

TAMPA, Fla., August 21, 2025 - The New York Yankees won their fifth straight game on Wednesday. They defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6–4 at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler came close to making history. Then, veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton delivered the key hit in extra innings.

Cam Schlittler Carries Perfect Game Into Seventh Yankees debutant Cam Schlittler retired the first 18 batters he faced. He took a perfect game into the seventh inning. This is the longest run by a New York rookie in almost sixty years. Schlittler fanned eight batters and gave up just one hit in 6⅔ scoreless innings. He featured a 97.7 mph four-seam fastball and a curveball that left hitters off balance. He left to a standing ovation after just 66 pitches. Even so, he didn’t get a decision despite his historic performance.

Tampa Bay came back in the ninth inning. Hunter Feduccia hit a double off the right-center wall. This tied the game at 3–3 and took it to extra innings. In the top of the 10th, Giancarlo Stanton came in to pinch-hit for the struggling right fielder. He smashed a two-run homer over the left-field wall off Pete Fairbanks. This put the Yankees ahead for good. Stanton’s bomb, hit at 108.1 mph, broke the tie. This was his fifth home run in six games, showing he’s a clutch performer. Austin Wells added insurance with his second homer of the night, extending New York’s lead to 6–3.

Five Straight Wins, Eyes on Red Sox The win boosts New York to 69–57, placing them second in the American League East. It highlights a comeback driven by solid pitching and late-game power. The Bronx Bombers kick off a four-game series at home against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. They want to stay strong in the wild-card race.

**Upcoming Broadcasts** Thursday’s game against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium starts at 7:15 p.m. ET. You can watch it locally on… YES and nationally on Fox. The Yankees want to make the most of their hot streak. The division rivalry is getting intense.