Andrew Benintendi Makes Yankee Stadium History With Clutch Grand Slam Win

Andrew Benintendi returned to Yankee Stadium on Thursday night and created one of the most memorable moments of his career. The Chicago White Sox outfielder, who previously spent part of the 2022 season with New York, played the role of the former player turned opponent by delivering a game-changing hit against his old club.

The White Sox entered the late innings locked in a tight contest, with the score tied 1-1 and both teams searching for a breakthrough. With the game hanging in the balance, Chicago manager Will Venable turned to Benintendi as a late-inning option.

The situation could not have been more dramatic. The bases were loaded, there was one out in the eighth inning, and the White Sox needed a big swing to take control. Benintendi provided exactly that, turning a tense matchup into a historic offensive moment.

His grand slam not only secured a 5-1 victory for Chicago but also placed him in rare company at Yankee Stadium. It was a reminder of his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

1. Benintendi’s Defining Moment

The White Sox built their opportunity through a series of late-inning events. Chicago used multiple pinch hitters to create a bases-loaded situation after a combination of hits and hit-by-pitches put runners everywhere. After New York pitcher Tim Hill recorded a strikeout, Yankees manager Aaron Boone brought in Camilo Doval to face the next challenge. Venable responded by sending Benintendi to the plate in place of another former Yankee, Randal Grichuk. Doval attacked with power, delivering a 100 mph sinker on the first pitch. Benintendi quickly recognized the opportunity and sent the ball deep into right-center field for a grand slam. The blast was the fourth grand slam of Benintendi’s career and his second career pinch-hit home run. It also marked a rare achievement for the White Sox, becoming their first pinch-hit grand slam since 2012.

2. Joining Yankee Stadium History

Benintendi’s homer carried even more significance because of where it happened. He became only the second opposing player in Yankee Stadium history to hit a pinch-hit go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning or later. The only other player to accomplish that feat was Tommy Byrne, who hit a similar dramatic home run for Chicago in 1953. Joining such a short list added another layer to Benintendi’s unforgettable night. For a player who once wore the Yankees uniform, the moment represented a unique chapter in his career. Returning to a familiar stadium, he delivered one of the biggest hits of the season for his current team. The victory also provided a boost for the White Sox, who had struggled during previous trips to the Bronx. The win ended a difficult stretch against the Yankees at their home ballpark.

3. Complete Team Effort Secures Win

While Benintendi’s grand slam was the headline moment, Chicago received contributions throughout the game. Young slugger Colson Montgomery helped create early momentum with his 20th home run of the season in the second inning. Montgomery also made an important defensive contribution, showing his value beyond offense. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways continues to make him one of the White Sox’s most promising young players. On the pitching side, Sean Burke played a major role after opener Bryan Hudson started the game. Burke delivered a strong performance, throwing 7 1/3 innings while allowing only one run and striking out eight batters. The Yankees’ only offense came from Ryan McMahon, who provided a solo home run in the third inning. Outside of that, Chicago’s pitching and late offensive explosion controlled the game from start to finish.