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Ben Rice powers Yankees with record RBI outburst

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 4:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ben Rice Dominates

Ben Rice delivered a historic offensive outburst in Game 1 of the Wild Card.
He went 4-for-5 with two homers, a double and six RBIs, tying the Yankees postseason RBI record.
Rice also hit multiple homers, including a grand slam, the first Yankee to do so in the playoffs.
Aaron Judge’s calf strain kept him out, leaving Rice to carry the Yankees’ offense.

Summary

Cam Schlittler Shuts

Cam Schlittler threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out ten.
Schlittler left the game after delivering 117 pitches.
Aaron Boone used a seven-man bench and made aggressive in-game substitutions, including moving Amed Rosario for Ryan McMahon at third.
John Schreiber closed the game with an 11-pitch shutout save.
Defensive shifts placed Trent Grisham in center field and Spencer Jones in right as the game progressed.

History

Historical Context

In the 2001 ALDS, the New York Yankees rallied from a 0-2 deficit to defeat the Oakland Athletics 3-2, becoming the first team to win a division series after losing the first two home games. The comeback featured Derek Jeter’s eighth-inning defensive grab and David Justice’s solo homer, and the series later appeared in the opening scene of the 2011 film Moneyball.

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Ben Rice Dominates

Ben Rice delivered a historic offensive outburst in Game 1 of the Wild Card.
He went 4-for-5 with two homers, a double and six RBIs, tying the Yankees postseason RBI record.
Rice also hit multiple homers, including a grand slam, the first Yankee to do so in the playoffs.
Aaron Judge’s calf strain kept him out, leaving Rice to carry the Yankees’ offense.

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