The San Francisco Giants secured a hard-fought 5–4 victory against the New York Yankees on April 13, 2025, closing out a competitive three-game series in the Bronx. This win marked the Giants’ first-ever regular-season series win at Yankee Stadium, and they accomplished it with grit, timely hitting, and a dominant performance from Jung Hoo Lee. With the win, the Giants improved to 11–4 on the season, while the Yankees slipped to 8–7.
This matchup lived up to expectations. It brought drama, comebacks, and standout individual performances. The Yankees started with fire, but the Giants responded with greater resilience. Let’s dive into how this game unfolded and what it means going forward.
Yankees Start Strong
The Yankees capitalized early. In the bottom of the first inning, Aaron Judge reached base and came around to score on Paul Goldschmidt’s sharp RBI single. The Yankees’ offense didn’t stop there. In the second inning, J.C. Escarra delivered a double that plated another run, and Ben Rice followed up with an RBI single that stretched the lead to 3–0.
New York’s hitters connected well against Logan Webb, the Giants’ ace. Webb struggled with his location early and left several pitches over the heart of the plate. The Yankees jumped on them. Their aggressive approach paid off in the early innings, giving them complete control of the game before the third inning even began.
Logan Webb Recovers
Despite the rocky start, Logan Webb settled into a rhythm. After the second inning, he made adjustments to his pitch sequencing and improved his command. He began to induce ground balls and soft contact, working quickly and efficiently. Webb tossed five full innings, gave up three runs on seven hits, and struck out five batters.
His ability to stabilize the game kept the Giants within striking distance. Instead of allowing the Yankees to build a larger lead, Webb managed to grind through the middle innings, giving his offense a chance to respond.
Jung Hoo Lee Ignites the Giants
Jung Hoo Lee took over the game with one of the most impressive performances of his young MLB career. In the fourth inning, he stepped up to the plate and launched a towering solo home run to right-center field, putting the Giants on the board and cutting the deficit to 3–1.
The energy shifted after that. Lee’s home run sparked the dugout and reignited San Francisco’s confidence. In the sixth inning, with two runners on base, Lee came up big again. He crushed a three-run home run over the left-field wall, turning a two-run deficit into a one-run lead. The crowd at Yankee Stadium fell silent as the Giants took the lead for the first time in the game.
Lee drove in four of the Giants’ five runs and became the difference-maker. This performance marked his first multi-home run game in Major League Baseball. The center fielder displayed power, timing, and composure in two of the biggest moments of the night.
Carlos Rodón Loses Command
Carlos Rodón started the game strong for the Yankees. He worked efficiently through five innings and collected eight strikeouts. His fastball reached the upper 90s, and his slider had good bite. He seemed in control until the sixth inning, when everything unraveled.
Rodón issued a walk and then gave up a single before facing Lee again. This time, his fastball caught too much of the plate, and Lee didn’t miss. The three-run homer flipped the scoreboard. Rodón’s final line showed 5.2 innings pitched, four earned runs, three walks, and eight strikeouts. That sixth inning cost him the win and shifted momentum entirely.
Giants Bullpen Seals the Deal
After Webb completed his five innings, San Francisco turned to its bullpen. Hayden Birdsong stepped in and pitched two shutout innings. He struck out three batters and prevented the Yankees from creating any scoring opportunities. His control and poise helped San Francisco maintain the lead.
In the eighth inning, Tyler Rogers allowed a solo home run to Jazz Chisholm Jr., which cut the Giants’ lead to 5–4. Rogers recovered quickly after the homer and retired the next two batters to finish the inning.
Ryan Walker came on to pitch the ninth and slammed the door. He faced the top of the Yankees’ lineup and struck out Aaron Judge with a nasty cutter. He induced two weak grounders to end the game and collected his fourth save of the season.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
- Lee’s Solo Homer (4th inning): This homer ended Rodón’s no-hit bid and gave the Giants their first run. It shifted momentum back toward San Francisco.
- Three-Run Blast by Lee (6th inning): With two runners on and the game hanging in the balance, Lee delivered the biggest swing of the night.
- Birdsong’s Clean Frames: The Giants needed someone to stabilize the game after the starter. Birdsong filled that role perfectly and set the stage for the win.
- Walker’s Ninth Inning: Closing the game against the Yankees’ heart of the order required focus. Walker executed his pitches and closed it with authority.
Offensive and Defensive Highlights
San Francisco Giants
- Jung Hoo Lee: 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
- Thairo Estrada: 2-for-4, 1 SB
- Hayden Birdsong: 2 IP, 0 ER, 3 K
- Ryan Walker: 1 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, Save
New York Yankees
- Paul Goldschmidt: 1-for-3, RBI
- Ben Rice: 1-for-3, RBI
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Solo HR (8th inning)
- Carlos Rodón: 5.2 IP, 4 ER, 8 K
What This Means Going Forward
The Giants walked away with momentum and confidence after this series. Their ability to recover from early deficits and deliver in clutch situations showcased the strength of their roster and leadership. Jung Hoo Lee’s breakout game placed him on the radar across the league. His swing, plate discipline, and timing have proven elite.
San Francisco’s pitching depth continues to shine. While Webb didn’t deliver his sharpest outing, the bullpen backed him up, and the offense delivered in key moments. This victory also keeps the Giants firmly atop the NL West standings.
For the Yankees, the game raised concerns. The team started well but failed to maintain the lead. Carlos Rodón’s inconsistent command and the bullpen’s inability to shut the door allowed the Giants back in. The offense produced early but struggled late against Birdsong and Walker.
New York now prepares to face the Kansas City Royals in a rematch of last year’s ALDS. That series will provide another opportunity to correct mistakes and rediscover consistency.
Conclusion
The Giants’ 5–4 victory over the Yankees capped a dramatic and meaningful series win in New York. Jung Hoo Lee stole the spotlight with two home runs, including a decisive three-run blast. The Giants’ pitching staff responded when needed, and the entire team showed grit and composure under pressure.
For fans, this game delivered everything—momentum swings, highlight plays, and rising stars. The Giants proved their strength as serious postseason contenders. The Yankees must regroup and find answers as the season rolls forward.
