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The New York Yankees' game came to a screeching halt Thursday when severe thunderstorms were unleashed across the Big Apple and New Jersey.
The Pinstripes were up 7-4 against divisional rivals the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning when a rain delay was called at around 2:40pm ET.
As of an hour later, the team had no further updates on when play could resume as the torrential downpour continued to pummel New York City and surrounding areas.
Despite the matchup taking place in the afternoon, the clouds over Yankee Stadium were almost pitch black, casting the ballpark in a near-apocalyptic darkness and forcing the floodlights to be switched on.
The suspension came amid warnings from meteorologists that up to seven inches of rain could fall through the evening.
In neighboring New Jersey a State of Emergency was declared with the severe thunderstorms expected to unleash life-threatening flash flooding across the state.
The New York Yankees were forced into a rain delay as thunderstorms rolled over the Bronx
Ominous darkness hung over Yankee Stadium as the torrential downpour pummel the Bronx
The state of emergency took effect at 2pm for all 21 counties, home to more than nine million residents.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way said: 'Beginning this afternoon, we are expecting severe thunderstorms to bring heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts with the potential for flash flooding across the state.
'I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms.
'Residents should remain off the roads and indoors unless absolutely necessary.'
The Yankees stormed into an early 6-0 lead, courtesy of Giancarlo Stanton's two-run homer in the first inning and Ben Rice's three-run homer in the second. Another run for the Yankees in the third ultimately made it a short afternoon for the Rays' starter, Ryan Pepiot.
Yankees starter Marcus Stroman had pitched through the first three innings with ease before allowing four runs on five hits in the fourth. He pitched the fifth without allowing another.
The Pinstripes' new arrival, outfield Austin Slater, was at the plate with one out, Jasson Dominguez on first and Jazz Chisholm Jr on third when the delay was called.
The Rays had lost three players to injury during the game. Chandler Simpson (wrist), Yandy Diaz (forearm contusion) and Jonathan Aranda (wrist) all exited the game.
There was some light at the end of the storm for Aaron Boone and co. Thursday as the Bronx Bombers finally reinforced their inconsistent bullpen ahead of this evening’s MLB trade deadline.
An eerie storm cloud looms over the Manhattan skyline as it threatens New York City
As ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported , the Bombers are acquiring closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates pending a physical. Daily Mail has since confirmed this agreement with a Pirates spokesperson.
Bednar, 30, has been efficient for the struggling Pirates, posting a 2.37 earned-run average while allowing just 1.11 base runners per inning. The Butler County, Pennsylvania native is a two-time All-Star who led the National League in saves in 2023 after starting his successful career in San Diego.
And Yankees GM Brian Cashman wasn't done there. He also acquired right-handed reliever Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies for second baseman Roc Riggio and southpaw Ben Shields, as first reported by YES analyst Jack Curry. Bird has struggled in 2025, posting a 4.73 EA with 62 strikeouts in 51.1 innings of work.
More to follow.
