COMEBACK COMPLETE: YANKEES RALLY PAST ORIOLES 4-2 IN BRONX THRILLER
By [Your Name], June 23, 2025
NEW YORK — The Bronx was buzzing. The sun was shining, the seats were packed, and the energy in Yankee Stadium was electric. But for the first half of Sunday’s showdown against the Baltimore Orioles, it felt like the energy might go to waste.
Down early and struggling to capitalize on opportunities, the New York Yankees clawed their way back and delivered in the late innings — capping a gritty, emotional 4-2 comeback win that sent fans home roaring.
“This team doesn’t give up,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said postgame. “It wasn’t always pretty, but we found a way — and that’s what matters.”
A Game of Two Halves
Orioles starter Kyle Bradish (#43) looked sharp through the early innings, quieting the Yankee bats and getting into a groove. His fastball had life, his breaking ball was dancing, and for a while, the Orioles seemed to have the game in control.
But baseball is a nine-inning game, and the Yankees weren’t ready to fold.
Trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Yanks flipped the script. A leadoff double by Anthony Volpe ignited the comeback. Moments later, a clutch single from Juan Soto put New York on the board. The Bronx came alive. The dugout came alive. And from there, the tide had officially turned.
“You could feel it shift,” said Yankees shortstop Oswald Peraza, who would later deliver a crucial at-bat. “The fans gave us a jolt, and we rode that wave.”
The Big Moment
In the bottom of the seventh, with the score knotted at 2-2 and two outs, Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton stepped up to the plate. He worked the count full, fouled off two tough pitches, and then — BOOM.
A towering, two-run blast that landed deep in left-center. Cue the bat flip, cue the fireworks. Yankee Stadium erupted.
The image from that moment — Stanton watching his shot soar, the Orioles catcher still crouched, and Bradish frozen in disbelief — perfectly captured the swing in momentum. It was Stanton’s 18th homer of the season, and perhaps his most dramatic.
“That’s the kind of swing you dream about,” Stanton said. “Tie game, big crowd, big moment — I just wanted to stay locked in and deliver.”
Bullpen Locks it Down
From there, the Yankees bullpen took over.
Michael King pitched a flawless eighth, striking out two and pumping fastballs past Orioles hitters. Then, as the ninth inning loomed, out came closer Clay Holmes to seal the deal.
Holmes didn’t disappoint. With his signature sinker biting and command locked in, he shut the door in just 12 pitches — securing his 16th save of the season and handing the Yankees a hard-fought win.
“You love to see the offense come through late,” Holmes said. “But for us pitchers, it’s about putting the lid on it. We’re proud of how we finished.”
Resilience on Display
For a team that has had its share of ups and downs this season, Sunday’s victory meant more than just another tally in the win column. It was about grit. About believing. About finding a way to win — even when the odds are stacked.
“That’s Yankees baseball,” Boone said. “Tough at-bats, smart baserunning, shutdown bullpen — and heart.”
The win improved New York’s record to 45-29, keeping them within striking distance of the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. More importantly, it showed that this Yankees squad — still finding its identity amid injuries and lineup shuffles — is ready to battle.
What’s Next
The Yankees will look to carry the momentum into their upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals, with lefty Carlos Rodón set to take the mound Monday night.
For the Orioles, the loss stings — especially after holding a lead for most of the afternoon. But with a young, talented core, Baltimore remains very much in the playoff picture.
As for the fans in the Bronx? They got a little bit of everything Sunday: tension, thrills, and a finish to remember.
“This is why we come,” said one lifelong Yankees fan as he exited the stadium. “This is why we believe.”
FINAL:
Yankees 4, Orioles 2
WP: Michael King (5-2)
LP: Kyle Bradish (4-5)
SV: Clay Holmes (16)
HR: Stanton (18)
For the Yankees, the comeback is complete. But the journey is far from over.