Yankees’ Cody Bellinger shouts out Ryan McMahon for critical defensive play in Rays win

As New York Yankees star Aaron Judge hit the walk-off home run that led to the 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, there was a crucial defensive play earlier that, in some ways, saved the game. With the Yankees now heading on a road trip after the series against the Rays, star Cody Bellinger would shout out unsung hero Ryan McMahon for the specific defensive play.

As it was a 0-0 ballgame heading into the eighth inning, Ryan Vilade would hit a single to Bellinger as he threw to the third baseman in McMahon, who tagged out Junior Caminero. As it wasn’t a straight throw from Bellinger, it was a tough catch for McMahon, as if he didn’t complete the play, a run would’ve scored for Tampa Bay, as Bellinger shouted out to his teammate.

“Honestly, that was all Mac [McMahon],” Bellinger said, via the YES Network. “I picked my head up, and Mac had a huge target at third. I actually threw a pretty nasty sinker to him, and he did a great job of picking it and putting the tag on. And so that was just a great play by Mac.”

“I was glad we were able to, you know, get that out before he crossed home plate there,” Bellinger continued.

Belli throws out the runner at third and keeps Tampa off the board! pic.twitter.com/IOrlTXN52t

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 24, 2026

Cody Bellinger on the Yankees getting a walk-off win over the Rays 

All in all, the Yankees get a huge win over the AL East-leading Rays, which Bellinger credits not just to the play by McMahon, but the pitching as starter Ryan Weathers and relievers Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill kept the opposing team at bay.

“Anytime you can get a win with the guys leading the division, it’s a big win. Our pitching did a tremendous job. You know, we were in that game because of [Ryan] Weathers, Cruzi [Fernando Cruz], and Timmy [Tim Hill], and to give us a chance there in the nine to just, you know, try and get one across,” Bellinger said.

New York looks to keep up the momentum in the next series against the Kansas City Royals, starting Monday.

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