After ending skid, Yankees look to continue hold on Twins

Published: Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 8:29 am

Yankees Snap Skid, Aim to Extend Dominance Over Twins

The New York Yankees have put an end to a frustrating seven-game losing streak, securing a much-needed victory and now look to build on that momentum against the Minnesota Twins. The win on Friday marked the end of the team's longest losing stretch since August 2023, a season in which they ultimately won 82 games despite a significant absence from star player Aaron Judge.

Judge, who missed nearly two months in 2023 with a fractured toe, has been sidelined again for the past month due to a right rib stress fracture. The Yankees have struggled in his absence, posting a 13-15 record without their captain. Their recent offensive struggles were evident in the seven-game skid, where the team batted a mere .137. However, Friday's performance saw a modest improvement with six hits, including a go-ahead two-run homer from Ben Rice in the third inning. Trent Grisham also contributed with a home run and a sacrifice fly, while Jose Caballero added an RBI single.

"It doesn't feel good to lose so many games," Rice commented after the game. "I think everyone in this room was ready to turn the corner. I'm happy we were able to get the win." Rice, who has 24 homers on the season, has been in a slump at the plate recently, with only seven hits in his last 49 at-bats. Other hitters like Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger are also experiencing significant slumps.

The Minnesota Twins have a particularly difficult history at Yankee Stadium, having lost 32 of their last 38 games there, including postseason matchups. Overall, they have managed just two wins in their last 14 meetings with the Yankees. In Friday's series opener, the Twins struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-12, and struck out 14 times against Yankees pitching.

"We've been good with runners in scoring position," said Twins manager Derek Shelton, whose team leads the league in that category. "Tonight we had a tough night. We didn't get the big hit, which we've been getting." Despite individual contributions like Kody Clemens' home run and Victor Caratini's RBI single, the Twins' high strikeout total was a recurring issue. Center fielder Byron Buxton missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hip issue.

The pitching matchup for Saturday's game sees Zebby Matthews on the mound for Minnesota, who has been pitching well in his recent outings. However, Matthews has a history of struggles against the Yankees. The Yankees will be without their scheduled starter, Carlos Rodon, who was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation. Brendan Beck is set to make his first career start for New York.

BNN's Perspective:

The Yankees' victory over the Twins, while a welcome relief from their losing streak, highlights the team's reliance on key players and their ongoing offensive inconsistencies. While snapping a skid is a positive step, the team's ability to sustain success will likely depend on improved offensive production from multiple players and the health of their roster. The Twins, meanwhile, face a significant challenge in overcoming their historical struggles against the Yankees and improving their situational hitting.

Tags: Yankees, Twins, losing streak, Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, Trent Grisham, Jose Caballero, Derek Shelton, Zebby Matthews, Carlos Rodon, Brendan Beck, offensive struggles, pitching, home run, RBI, injured list

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