The New York Yankees secured a hard-fought 9-5 victory against the Chicago White Sox on July 28, 2026, thanks in part to Ali Sánchez's first career home run. The game, which marked the opening of the series, saw the Yankees overcoming early struggles and late-game errors to clinch the win.

Fried's Rocky Start

Max Fried faced challenges in his second start since returning from the injured list, putting the Yankees in a difficult position early on. After a stellar previous outing against the Pirates, where he allowed only one hit and one walk over five innings, Fried was unable to find his rhythm. He allowed a leadoff double to Randal Grichuk, which set off a chain of events leading to three runs for the White Sox in the first inning. Despite the shaky start, Fried managed to settle down and pitched two consecutive scoreless innings.

Yankees Rally Back

Initially, the Yankees struggled against rookie pitcher Noah Schultz, who entered the game with a 6.04 ERA. However, the offense finally broke through in the fourth inning. After Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt drew walks, Jasson Domínguez's single loaded the bases for Anthony Volpe. Volpe's grounder to shortstop allowed a run to score, setting the stage for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to tie the game with a double. Chisholm's heads-up play on the bases, stealing third, further energized the Yankees' rally.

With the momentum shifting, the Yankees capitalized on the White Sox's pitching change, ultimately leading to a decisive win. Sánchez's home run proved crucial, as the Yankees needed every run to secure their victory amidst late-game errors. The win not only showcased the team's resilience but also highlighted Sánchez's emerging role in the lineup.