In a game that'll be talked about for years, Ben Rice became the first Yankees rookie to hammer out three homers in a single game, driving in an impressive seven runs. This stellar performance snapped New York's four-game losing streak with a crushing 14-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on a lively Saturday.
The day was nothing short of spectacular for Rice, who entered the game with just one homer in his first 46 big league at-bats. Growing up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Rice had a playful rivalry with the Red Sox, even signing the Pesky Pole as a child with the infamous words, “Yankees Rule.” He had his parents in the stands, making his incredible performance even more special. “Definitely a day I will never forget,” Rice said. “Pumped it was a big-time win for us over my hometown team.”
The Yankees lit up the scoreboard early with Rice leading off the game with a powerful drive to right off Josh Winckowski. But the fireworks didn’t stop there. Rice added a three-run shot off reliever Chase Anderson during a massive seven-run fifth inning. He capped his unforgettable day with another homer off Anderson in the seventh. “What a game!” New York manager Aaron Boone exclaimed. “To set the tone right away in the first inning with a homer and put together a legendary day. Something he’ll never forget.”
After Rice’s third homer, the stadium was electric. Juan Soto, stepping out of the batter’s box, gave Rice a moment to soak in the applause. The rookie, nudged by his teammates, took a curtain call. “It was all happening so fast,” Rice recalled. “Thankfully got it in. That was pretty awesome!”
In the midst of this Yankees triumph, Boston had its moments too. Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer, though his leisurely 32-second trot around the bases drew some side-eye from the Sox. Rafael Devers, on the other hand, had a monster day with a 441-foot homer and two RBIs. His homer was his eighth against Gerrit Cole in 43 plate appearances, a stat that clearly illustrates his dominance over the Yankees' ace.
The Yankees' barrage of hits and runs was a much-needed balm for starter Gerrit Cole, who allowed seven hits and four runs in just over four innings. Cole struck out eight and walked two but felt the heat, both from the Boston batters and the sweltering New York weather. “I thought he made a lot of really good pitches all day,” Boone said. “It was really hot and I think that took its toll, especially the at-bats they took against him in the first couple of innings.”
Despite the tough outing, Boone and Cole recognized the challenge posed by Boston’s lefty-heavy lineup. “That’s forcing you to be creative,” Cole admitted. “It’s definitely unique.”
Rookie Austin Wells also made an impact, forcing in a run with a walk, adding to the Yankees’ explosive fifth inning. Trent Grisham and D.J. LeMahieu each drove in runs, with LeMahieu’s single driving in two more, forcing another pitching change before Rice’s second homer of the day.
The Yankees' bullpen held steady, with Tim Hill throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings to notch his first victory as a Yankee. Hill, a veteran left-hander, was signed by New York on June 20 and has already shown his worth.
As for the Red Sox, they had their own highlights, despite the loss. Devers celebrated his 1,000th career hit with an RBI single in the third. And then there was Boston manager Alex Cora, who had a bit of an adventure of his own. A regular runner, Cora got lost during his run through Central Park. “At one point I was somewhere, and I was like, ‘No, I’m not supposed to be here,’” Cora laughed. “I was actually two miles away from the hotel. I was like, you know what, I’m going to Uber to the hotel.”
The game was also marked by some pre-game festivities. UConn head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley, fresh off back-to-back NCAA championships, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The lefty-tossing Hurley is no stranger to Yankee Stadium, having also thrown out the first pitch after the Huskies’ fifth national championship in 2023.
On the injury front, Yankees’ 2B Gleyber Torres was held out of the lineup with a groin issue, though Boone indicated he was available off the bench and might return Sunday. For the Red Sox, there was no update on RHP Chris Martin, who went on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, INF Vaughn Grissom remains sidelined, although Cora noted some improvement.
Looking ahead, the series finale promises to be just as thrilling, with struggling Yankees RHP Luis Gil (9-4, 3.41 ERA) set to face off against Boston’s RHP Kutter Crawford (4-7, 3.47 ERA).
As the Yankees and Red Sox continue their storied rivalry, games like these remind us why baseball is America’s pastime – full of unexpected heroes, intense moments, and unforgettable memories.
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