Ben Rice made history by becoming the first rookie from the Yankees to hit three home runs in a game, leading New York to a decisive 14-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. Rice also drove in seven runs during the game. Alex Verdugo contributed with a two-run homer for Boston, but his slow trot around the bases drew criticism from the Red Sox. D.J. LeMahieu added two RBIs as the Yankees ended a four-game losing streak, securing their fifth win in 19 games. Aaron Judge also had a notable performance with two hits.
Ben Rice accomplishes a historic feat as the first rookie from the Yankees to hit three home runs in a single game during a dominant 14-4 victory over the Red Sox.
Rafael Devers showcased his power with a long home run and two RBIs for Boston, which saw its five-game winning streak come to an end.
Rice set the tone early in the game with a leadoff home run off Josh Winckowski and later added a three-run shot off Chase Anderson during a seven-run fifth inning. The 25-year-old first baseman completed his memorable day with another home run off Anderson in the seventh inning.
New York manager Aaron Boone praised Rice’s performance, calling it legendary and a day the rookie will never forget. Rice acknowledged the support from his teammates and fans, especially after his third home run when he received a curtain call.
The Yankees’ offensive outburst included 14 hits and 14 runs, which helped compensate for a challenging outing by starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. Despite striking out eight, Cole struggled through 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs. He attributed some of his difficulties to the hot weather.
Tim Hill earned his first victory with the Yankees after pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.
The game also featured UConn head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, celebrating his team’s recent NCAA championships.
Injuries affected both teams, with Yankees’ second baseman Gleyber Torres sidelined due to a groin issue, while Red Sox right-hander Chris Martin landed on the IL with elbow inflammation.
The series finale would see New York’s struggling pitcher Luis Gil facing off against Boston’s Kutter Crawford.
