The Yankees took full advantage of Miami’s control problems throughout the afternoon. Ben Rice delivered a big performance at the plate, homering and adding a two-run double to help stretch New York’s lead. Meanwhile, Pérez struggled with command, allowing four runs on just two hits but issuing a career-high six walks across four innings.
His control issues became especially costly in the second inning when he forced in runs on consecutive pitches — first walking Grisham and then hitting Judge with the bases loaded to extend the Yankees’ advantage.
Tyler Phillips added to Miami’s woes in the sixth inning by uncorking a run-scoring wild pitch, part of a sloppy afternoon that saw the Marlins record their highest walk total since April 2023. Entering the game, Miami pitchers had issued only nine walks over their first six contests.
Rookie right-hander Will Warren delivered a poised outing in his first win of the season, allowing four hits over 5⅔ innings.
Miami’s only offense came via solo home runs from Xavier Edwards in the first inning and Owen Caissie in the fifth. Otherwise, Warren kept the Marlins lineup largely quiet while working efficiently through traffic.
Despite the loss, Miami continued to show its aggressive style on the bases. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and José Caballero each stole two bases, while Judge even swiped one himself against catcher Liam Hicks, who has now allowed 60 stolen bases in 66 attempts since reaching the majors last year.
The Marlins entered Friday’s matchup at 5–1, matching the best start in franchise history and spending six consecutive days atop the NL East — already double their total time leading the division from 2021 through 2025 combined.
But their momentum stalled in the Bronx.
Between shaky pitching, missed opportunities, and New York’s timely power hitting, Miami struggled to keep pace in the Yankees’ home opener atmosphere. The Yankees, meanwhile, continued to look sharp early in the season, combining plate discipline, power, and solid pitching in a convincing victory.
With Judge leading the charge and contributions coming throughout the lineup, New York’s strong opening-week form suggests the Bronx Bombers are settling into rhythm early in 2026.
