BRONX, NY — The New York Yankees marked their 124th Opening Day in franchise history with a statement performance Friday afternoon, defeating the Miami Marlins 8-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 48,788 at Yankee Stadium. Backed by dominant pitching, the Yankees improved to 6-1 on the young season, continuing what has already become a historic start for the team on the mound.
Right-hander Will Warren, making his second start of the season, delivered a composed outing under the spotlight of opening day in the Bronx. After surrendering a first-inning home run to Xavier Edwards—the first home run allowed by the Yankees this season—Warren quickly settled in, retiring 11 consecutive batters and showcasing the poise that manager Aaron Boone praised postgame.
Will Warren put in 5.2 innings of work Friday afternoon in the Yankees home opener, finishing with six strikeouts and two earned runs allowed on four hits (2 HRs) – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
“I thought he handled all that comes with this game really well,” Boone said. “Having fun, very much in the moment. I think the experience he’s gained over the last couple of years has served him well.”
Warren finished with 5.2 innings pitched, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out six without issuing a walk.
Offensively, the Yankees leaned on patience, speed on the base path and timely hitting. Aaron Judge provided an early spark with a two-run home run to left field—his third of the season—putting New York ahead 2-1.
Aaron Judge carried over his home run power from the Yankees first road trip of the season to the Bronx, homering in his first at-bat on Friday vs. the Marlins at Yankee Stadium – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
From there, the Yankees’ disciplined approach at the plate began to wear down Marlins right-handed starter Eury Pérez, who struggled with command. Pérez issued six walks, including a bases-loaded free pass and a hit-by-pitch on Judge, as well as committing a pitch clock violation during a pressured filled second inning.
“I loved our at-bats all day,” Boone said. “Our patience really served us well and allowed us to break through late.”
The turning point came from Ben Rice, who turned a frustrating start into a breakout moment. After being victimized by questionable calls earlier in the game, Rice responded with authority in his fourth at-bat, launching a 110.9 mph home run to extend the Yankees’ lead.
Ben Rice joined Aaron Judge on Friday during the Yankees home opener as the two players in pinstripes to leave the yard and hit a home run in the team’s 8-2 win over the Marlins – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
He later added a two-run double—also clocked at 110.9 mph—driving in Judge and Cody Bellinger to push the advantage to 8-2.
Rice’s performance continued his strong start to the season, with the young slugger now homering in back-to-back games and reaching base in 13 of his first 26 plate appearances.
Ben Rice has had a strong start to the 2026 regular season, reaching base in 13 of his first 26 plate appearances on the year – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
On the bases, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and José Caballero each contributed two stolen bases, highlighting the Yankees’ aggressive approach. Defensively, Bellinger delivered one of the game’s standout plays, making a leaping grab at the wall before recovering the ball mid-air on the backhand.
The Yankees bullpen preserved the lead with three scoreless innings, maintaining the club’s dominant early-season pitching trend. Through seven games, New York has allowed just eight total runs, tying the 2002 Giants and 1993 Braves for the fewest runs allowed in Major League Baseball history over that span.
Before the game, Boone emphasized the team’s focus and hunger, noting, “There’s been an intensity to everything they’ve done… a very hungry, focused group.”
With their 8-2 win in Friday’s home opener at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees improved to 6-1 on the year, with their only loss coming in Seattle on a walk-off single – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
That mindset was evident throughout Opening Day, as the Yankees combined strong pitching, patient offense, and clean execution in all phases.
As Boone reflected postgame, “Hopefully, we’re all a work in progress.”
If the Yankees’ opening week of 2026 is any indication, the team that was labeled as “running it back,” has already produced historic results to start the season.
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