Ben Rice Explodes for Historic Yankees Playoff Performance Against Red Sox
NEW YORK — Ben Rice delivered one of the most memorable offensive performances in recent New York Yankees postseason history, helping the Yankees defeat the Boston Red Sox 9-0 in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium.
With Aaron Judge unavailable because of a calf injury, Rice stepped into the spotlight and produced a historic night at the plate. The Yankees first baseman went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double and six RBIs, powering New York's offense against its longtime rival.
Rice's performance helped the Yankees take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and move within one victory of advancing to the American League Division Series.
Ben Rice Makes Yankees Postseason History
Rice's six-RBI performance tied the Yankees' franchise postseason record for RBIs in a single game.
He also became the first Yankees player to record four hits and six RBIs in the same postseason game, adding another remarkable chapter to the franchise's long playoff history.
His offensive line included:
- 4 hits
- 2 home runs
- 1 double
- 6 RBIs
- 2 runs scored
The biggest moment came in the eighth inning when Rice launched a grand slam to right-center field, completing a five-run inning and turning the game into a decisive blowout.
Rice Sets the Tone Early
Rice began making an impact from his first trip to the plate, collecting a double in the opening inning.
He later gave New York a 2-0 advantage with a solo home run in the fifth inning. The ball traveled an estimated 423 feet into Monument Park in center field, giving the Yankees an important cushion in a game dominated by pitching early on.
Rice then added a run-scoring single in the seventh inning before delivering his spectacular grand slam in the eighth.
It was a complete offensive performance at a crucial moment in the Yankees' season.
Cam Schlittler Dominates Boston
While Rice powered the offense, Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler controlled the game from the mound.
The 25-year-old right-hander pitched 6⅓ scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out 10 Red Sox hitters.
Schlittler threw 117 pitches, a career high, and prevented Boston from advancing a runner to second base during his dominant outing.
His continued success against Boston has become a notable storyline. Including the postseason, Schlittler is now 4-1 with a 0.47 ERA and 49 strikeouts in six career starts against the Red Sox.
Yankees Offense Delivers Without Aaron Judge
The Yankees entered the series without star slugger Aaron Judge, but Rice and the rest of the lineup provided plenty of production.
Rookie George Lombard Jr. recorded three hits in his postseason debut, while Austin Wells drove in two runs.
New York's offense ultimately produced nine runs while the pitching staff kept Boston off the scoreboard.
The Yankees' ability to generate offense without Judge was one of the major storylines of the opening game.
A Special Moment for Rice Against Boston
The performance carried additional significance because Rice grew up in Massachusetts among Red Sox fans before eventually becoming a Yankees player.
Rice has previously described himself as a Yankees fan while growing up outside Boston, making his postseason success against the Red Sox an unusual part of his baseball story.
After the game, Rice said that winning against Boston made the night particularly memorable and highlighted the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees Take 1-0 Series Lead
The 9-0 victory puts New York one win away from advancing to the AL Division Series.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. Boston will turn to right-hander Sonny Gray, while New York is expected to start left-hander Max Fried.
For the Red Sox, Game 2 becomes a must-win situation if they want to keep their postseason alive.
For the Yankees, another victory would send them into a best-of-five Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Final Takeaway
Ben Rice gave the Yankees exactly what they needed when their biggest star was unavailable.
His four-hit, two-home-run, six-RBI performance was not only a major factor in New York's 9-0 victory but also a historic postseason achievement for the franchise.
Combined with another dominant playoff performance from Cam Schlittler, the Yankees have opened the 2026 postseason with a commanding statement against their longtime rivals.
Now, New York will look to finish the series in Game 2, while Boston faces the challenge of extending its season for another game.
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