WATCH: Stanton Grand Slam Leads Yankees Past Rays In Game One

In the Al Divisional series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees came out swinging. Led by a ninth-inning grand slam from Giancarlo Stanton the Yankees cruised past Tampa Bay to a 9-3 game one win. Stanton, whose tenure with the Yankees has been marred by injuries, finally gave the legendary team a signature moment.

“I feel great for him because I know this is what I envisioned for him last year,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s such a dangerous hitter in the middle of our lineup. When he’s controlling the strike zone, he’s as deadly as anyone.”

Teammate Aaron Judge also hit a home-run in game one and with the game being played in San Diego as COVID-controlled playoffs roll on, Judge was able to do it in front of his parents, who live in the area. “This is the first game my parents were able to come to as well. That’s huge. My dad for sure doesn’t miss more than a month at a time, and we’re in October now,” he said.

New York also got good production on the mound with pitcher Gerrit Cole starting six innings and striking out eight batters while the rest of the relievers who cycled in and out held the Rays scoreless for the finals three innings.

Game Two is at 8:10 P.M EST Tuesday on TBS, and Deivi Garcia will be taking the mound for the Yankees while Tyler Glasnow will be pitching for the Padres.

Article by Nico Ribadeneyra