Yankees' Ryan McMahon Delivers Go-Ahead Homer After Slow Start

Benched to start the game, McMahon came through with a crucial 8th inning blast to lift the Yankees over the Royals.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:07am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, clashing colors that deconstructs the moment of Ryan McMahon's go-ahead home run into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing the game-changing swing.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the raw energy and drama of Ryan McMahon's crucial 8th inning home run that lifted the Yankees over the Royals.Kansas City Today

Batting just .119 to start the season, Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon was benched to begin Friday night's game against the Royals. But after coming in as a defensive substitution, McMahon delivered a go-ahead two-run homer in the 8th inning to propel the Yankees to a 4-2 victory. The hit was McMahon's first extra-base knock of the year, as he had been struggling mightily at the plate.

Why it matters

McMahon's slow start had weighed heavily on him, as he was determined not to let his teammates down. The go-ahead homer could be a turning point that helps him regain his confidence and get his season back on track after a difficult opening few weeks.

The details

Trailing 2-1 in the 8th, McMahon came up with two outs and launched a changeup over the left field wall to give the Yankees the lead. Earlier, Yankees outfielder Ben Rice had hit a two-run homer in the 4th to open the scoring. Starter Cam Schlittler pitched six solid innings for New York, but an unearned run in the 6th tied the game before McMahon's heroics.

  • In the 8th inning, with two outs, McMahon hit the go-ahead homer.
  • Earlier in the game, Rice hit a two-run homer in the 4th inning to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead.

The players

Ryan McMahon

The Yankees' third baseman who was struggling at the plate with a .119 batting average before delivering the go-ahead homer in the 8th inning.

Ben Rice

The Yankees outfielder who hit a two-run homer in the 4th inning to open the scoring for New York.

Cam Schlittler

The Yankees starting pitcher who went six innings, allowing one unearned run.

David Bednar

The Yankees closer who recorded the save in the 9th inning.

Alex Lange

The Royals pitcher who gave up the go-ahead homer to McMahon in the 8th inning.

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What they’re saying

“You want to play good for the men in the room with you. It doesn't feel good letting your brothers down, especially the guys you're grinding with every single day. I've been sick and tired of it, honestly.”

— Ryan McMahon, Yankees Third Baseman

“Watching that one fly out of there – just so excited, so happy for him. I couldn't have been more thrilled.”

— Ben Rice, Yankees Outfielder

“To win the game. That's what's the most fun.”

— Ryan McMahon, Yankees Third Baseman

What’s next

The Yankees will look for McMahon to build on his clutch performance as they continue their series against the Royals this weekend.

The takeaway

McMahon's game-winning homer showed the value of perseverance, as the struggling third baseman refused to let his early-season slump define his season. His ability to come through in a big moment could provide a much-needed boost for both his own confidence and the Yankees' lineup.