Ben Rice ignites Yankees legacy with postseason homer against childhood team Red Sox
Ben Rice stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday night, fulfilling a lifelong fantasy by launching a two-run home run in his inaugural postseason appearance, propelling the Yankees to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Red Sox in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series.
Hometown Hero Hits Big
The 25-year-old rookie, hailing from Cohasset, Massachusetts, provided the Yankees with a much-needed spark after they dropped Game 1. With a powerful swing, Rice sent a cutter from Brayan Bello soaring into the right-field seats, instantly shifting the momentum of the game. “It felt amazing,” Rice reflected after the game. “Coming off a loss, to set the tone in the first inning and give us the lead felt really good.”
For Rice, this moment was the culmination of a childhood steeped in Yankees fandom. He recalled the days of doodling “Yankees Rule!” on Fenway Park’s iconic Pesky Pole and donning a Derek Jeter jersey for his first-grade photo. Now, he was the one etching his name into the storied rivalry.
A Surge in Performance
The home run marked the continuation of a hot streak for Rice, who had already belted two homers in the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Orioles just days prior. Over the course of his first full big-league season, Rice finished with a .255 batting average, 26 home runs, 28 doubles, and 65 RBIs across 138 games.
Rice’s achievement is particularly noteworthy; according to Elias Sports, he became the latest player since 2000 to homer on the very first postseason pitch he faced. This elite group includes notable names like Lane Thomas and Evan Longoria. “Benny is swinging the bat so well down the stretch,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked, affectionately dubbing him “Benny Barrels” for his impressive exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
Strategic Decisions and Future Prospects
Despite his standout debut, Rice was not in the lineup for Game 1 against Red Sox lefty Garrett Crochet. Boone opted for veteran Paul Goldschmidt at first base, a decision that Rice accepted with understanding. “I know my role,” he stated. “Yesterday my job was to be ready off the bench, and today I was starting. The approach doesn’t change.”
Looking ahead to Game 3, questions linger regarding Rice’s inclusion in the lineup against Boston’s left-hander Connelly Early. Boone remained noncommittal, noting, “It’s not just about facing a lefty. It’s about what kind of lefty. We’ll see.”
For now, Ben Rice has already made his mark on Yankees postseason history, etching his name into the franchise’s lore with a single, monumental swing.
