In a pivotal moment for the New York Yankees, Ryan McMahon hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, leading the team to a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. McMahon, who had been struggling with a .119 batting average, expressed his frustration with his performance but found redemption with his first extra-base hit of the season. After being subbed in for defense, he capitalized on a 2-1 changeup from Royals pitcher Alex Lange, sending the ball over the left field wall. This hit not only lifted the team's spirits but also marked a potential turning point for McMahon's season. Ben Rice, who had earlier contributed with a two-run homer of his own, praised McMahon's work ethic and determination. Yankees manager Aaron Boone highlighted the significance of the homer for McMahon's mental state, emphasizing that success in the league can be challenging, especially during tough times. The Yankees celebrated the win with 44,244 fans cheering them on, reinforcing the camaraderie within the team.