Ben Rice Returns With Thunder: Two-Run Blast Ignites Yankees’ Wild Card Comeback

Ben Rice returned to the New York Yankees’ starting lineup and made an immediate impact, blasting a two-run home run in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night in New York.

The power-hitting first baseman and catcher had been left on the bench for Game 1 against left-handed pitching, a decision that drew criticism after the Yankees’ offense struggled. Facing Boston right-hander Brayan Bello in Game 2, Rice wasted no time reminding fans and critics why his bat matters.

Rice Delivers Power After Surprising Game 1 Absence

Manager Aaron Boone kept Rice out of Tuesday’s lineup to counter Boston’s lefties Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman. The 26-homer slugger, with an .836 OPS in the regular season, never got an at-bat as the Yankees fell flat in Game 1. That choice sparked debate among analysts and fans, who questioned whether the team missed a key power threat.

Boone put Rice back in his usual cleanup spot Wednesday, and the move paid off immediately. With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, Cody Bellinger kept the frame alive with a single up the middle. One pitch later, Rice turned on a fastball and launched it over the right-field fence at 106.6 mph, putting the Yankees ahead 2-0 early.

The blast set the tone for New York, which badly needed an offensive spark after Tuesday’s disappointment. Rice’s ability to play both first base and catcher has been vital for the Yankees this season, sharing time with veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells while proving himself as a reliable power bat in the middle of the order.

Boost for Yankees’ Postseason Hopes

Rice’s return to the lineup could be a turning point for the Yankees’ postseason run. His power has been a game-changer all year, and showing it early in an elimination scenario sent a message to the Red Sox. A win in Game 2 would push the wild-card series to a deciding Game 3 and keep New York’s World Series hopes alive.

Fans reacted strongly on social media, praising Boone for reinstating Rice after the Game 1 misstep. Baseball analysts on outlets like the Associated Press and ESPN noted that Rice’s power threat forces pitchers to attack the Yankees’ lineup differently, giving sluggers like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger more opportunities to see hittable pitches.

Ben Rice’s swing gave Yankee Stadium a jolt, and his presence could reshape the rest of the series. If the Yankees advance, this lineup decision may be remembered as a key turning point.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Ben Rice benched in Game 1?

Manager Aaron Boone sat him to counter Boston’s left-handed pitchers Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman.

Q2: How many home runs did Ben Rice hit this season?

He hit 26 home runs during the regular season, becoming one of the Yankees’ top power threats.

Q3: What pitcher did Ben Rice homer off in Game 2?

He hit his two-run shot against Boston’s right-handed starter Brayan Bello in the first inning.

Q4: Why is Ben Rice important to the Yankees’ lineup?

His power and versatility at first base and catcher give the Yankees depth and middle-of-the-order strength.

Q5: What happens if the Yankees win Game 2?

The American League wild-card series would move to a deciding Game 3 against the Boston Red Sox.