TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees showcased their power at the plate Tuesday night, hitting a franchise-tying nine home runs during a commanding 13-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays. Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger each contributed two home runs, while Aaron Judge celebrated his 40th of the season during a game that saw multiple offensive records challenged.

The Yankees wasted no time asserting their dominance, as Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton launched back-to-back-to-back home runs in the first inning, quickly pushing the Yankees ahead 3-0. The action took place after nearly a two-hour rain delay, which did little to dampen the spirits of the Yankees, who appeared at ease in a game played at their spring training facility.

José Caballero also made headlines for the Rays with a pair of home runs, marking his first career multihomer game. Despite a strong individual performance, Tampa Bay could not match the Yankees’ offensive firepower, falling to their fourth consecutive defeat.

The game took place in front of a modest crowd of 10,046 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a temporary home for the Rays due to ongoing renovations at Tropicana Field. The cozy dimensions of the field allowed the Yankees to take full advantage, and the visitors had little trouble finding gaps and launching balls over the fence.

Bellinger had a standout game, finishing with four hits and three runs batted in. Following the lengthy rain delay, pitcher Shane Baz struggled on the mound for Tampa Bay, allowing Judge’s 429-foot home run, followed by Bellinger’s 381-foot blast and Stanton’s 386-foot shot in the first inning. Baz ended the night with a disappointing line, giving up six runs and seven hits, including five home runs, in just three innings of work.

Carlos Rodón earned the win for New York, surrendering only two runs across six innings, demonstrating control and command against the struggling Rays lineup. The Yankees’ offensive explosion also marked a record, as they became the first team in Major League Baseball history to hit consecutive back-to-back-to-back home runs in the first inning thrice within a single season.

Tuesday’s performance also allowed Judge to join an elite group in Yankees history, becoming the fourth player to achieve at least four seasons with 40 or more home runs, joining the ranks of legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

As the series progresses, the Yankees will look to continue their winning ways with right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen slated to start for the Rays on Wednesday against Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler, who hopes to build on his growing experience in the league. Given the teams’ current trajectories, the anticipation builds for another exciting matchup at Steinbrenner Field.