First Baseman Ben Rice Helps the New York Yankees Advance To Critical Game 3

You can’t make this stuff up. This is the same Ben Rice who, as a kid, cheekily scrawled “Yankees Rule!” on the iconic Pesky Pole at Fenway Park. The same kid who proudly wore a Derek Jeter replica jersey for his first-grade picture day. He has gone from a fan in the stands to the man creating the memories, and he did it against his hometown team. Talk about a Hollywood ending.

This wasn’t some out-of-the-blue fluke, either. Rice has been on a tear, capping off his first full Major League season with a solid .255/.337/.499 slash line, 26 homers, and 65 RBI. Despite his hot bat, he found himself riding the pine in Game 1, a managerial decision that left fans scratching their heads. But when his number was called for Game 2, Rice proved he belongs in the spotlight.

How Rice Ignited the Yankees’ Offense

That first-inning blast was a continuation of a late-season surge. They don’t call him “Benny Barrels” for nothing. According to Baseball Savant, Rice’s hard-hit percentage (56.1%) was among the best in the majors. He doesn’t just make contact; he makes a statement.

After the game, Rice kept it simple. “I think if you go up there with a good plan and execute, you’re probably going to hit the ball on the sweet spot,” he said. Spoken like a true pro who just lived out a childhood dream on one of baseball’s biggest stages.

The Yankees needed a hero on Wednesday, and they found one in the most unlikely of places: a kid from Massachusetts who traded his Red Sox roots for pinstripes. Thanks to Rice, the rivalry lives on for one more game.