McMahon practices hundreds of extra swings, delivers crucial hit to secure victory for New York Yankees

Ryan McMahon, enduring a season-opening slump that tested everyone's patience, looked for solutions in the underground hitting tunnels at Yankee Stadium. With no start scheduled that day, the infielder found extra time and, by his count, put in about a hundred more practice swings.

When an opportunity arose late in the game, McMahon still had power left for one more big swing. He launched a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, helping the New York Yankees defeat the Kansas City Royals 4–2.

"It's been a tough stretch," McMahon said. "I love this game, love playing alongside these teammates. Our goal is to win a World Series, and you want to be someone who contributes. That's been eating at me. You get tired of it, but that doesn't mean it fixes itself. For me, you just never, ever give up."

As a left-handed hitter, McMahon did not start against the right-handed starter that day; manager Aaron Boone noted part of the decision was due to Michael Wacha's reverse splits.

Boone said he explained the decision to McMahon earlier and added that with at least four left-handed starters expected in the Yankees' next six games, McMahon's playing time would be further affected.

Before this game, McMahon had only five hits this season, all singles. Then he made it six, crushing Alex Lange's changeup over the left-field wall. He roared while rounding the bases, celebrating the payoff from his extra work during the game.

"I was in there swinging for six of the seven and a half innings," McMahon said. "You want to perform well for the guys beside you. It's tough to let your brothers down, especially those you grind with every day. This isn't my first time through this. It's a humbling sport."

McMahon's work didn't start today. After being traded from the Colorado Rockies on July 25 last year, he posted a .208/.308/.333 slash line with only four homers in 54 games. This offseason, he met via video conference with Yankees coaches to discuss possible mechanical adjustments.

McMahon brought those suggestions to spring training, narrowing his previously wide stance—one of the widest in the league—and now tries to square his shoulders more to reduce body rotation.

"He's had success in this league for a while, so he knows he can do it," Boone said. "But when you're in the middle of struggling, days are hard. He's worked incredibly hard. I know he hasn't gotten the results he wants, but we feel his adjustments have been trending better over the past week."

Ben Rice, who also hit a two-run homer and ranks second in MLB with a 1.205 OPS, said he witnessed McMahon's effort firsthand.

"I often come early with him," Rice said. "We always hit at the same time, around 2 p.m. I see all the work he puts in. He's a real ballplayer, man. He grinds, and he helps the team in many ways on the field."

The tangible results hadn't been obvious, and Boone acknowledged Amed Rosario had earned more opportunities at third base. But the manager felt that statement wasn't a factor in McMahon's homer.

"This game will humble you, even the best of the best," Boone said. "It's tough, and good people know how to handle and deal with it. Even players who will make the All-Star Game and have great seasons this year still go through stretches where it's really hard."

McMahon's hit came half an inning after Camilo Doval lost the lead. Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tying solo homer into the short porch in right field. It was another slip by the Yankees bullpen after a tough four-game series against the Angels.

Cam Schlittler retired the first 11 batters he faced, allowing only an unearned run over six-plus innings and leaving to loud applause. Brent Headrick then handled three batters, stranding runners on first and second, aided by Rice's excellent catch of a foul pop behind first base.

"That was definitely not a routine play," Rice said.

When David Bednar secured the final three outs for his sixth save, probably no one smiled brighter than McMahon during the postgame handshake line.

"He deserved it. The fun part is coming back here and celebrating with everyone, whoever gets the big hit or makes the big pitch," McMahon said. "The celebration itself is just fun."