On Tuesday, Ben Rice found himself on the bench during the chaotic opener against the Red Sox.
But he made his mark quickly in Game 2.
In an impressive start, Rice became the first Yankee to hit a home run in his initial postseason at-bat since Shane Spencer went deep back in the 1998 ALDS. This was right after the Yankees forced Game 3 against Texas.
Reflecting on his homer, Rice attributed part of the victory to that moment, saying, “I think it really set our tone early.” It came after a Game 1 where he didn’t play; Aaron Boone opted for Paul Goldschmidt and put Austin Wells on the mound against Boston’s Garrett Cloche.
“I knew my role, and I was ready for a big opportunity off the bench,” Rice mentioned. “When I got my chance, I just focused on being prepared for every at-bat.”
His enthusiasm for the team struck him as special, especially since his teammates have been supportive since he arrived. Aaron Judge praised him, stating, “He consistently hits the ball hard, knows what he wants, and capitalizes on his chances.”
Rice continued his strong performance, putting the Yankees ahead again after Boston had tied it.
With runners on second and third and two outs, Rice launched a 109 mph shot off leftie Justin Wilson, but it didn’t quite connect, leading to an out by Nate Eaton in right field.
“It’s tough when you think it’s going to be a hit, and he barely has to move to catch it,” Rice said, reflecting on the letdown. But the win overshadowed it, marking a successful postseason debut for Rice.
Growing up a Yankees fan in Cohasset, Massachusetts, this was a dream come true for him.
“It was incredible,” Rice shared. “Coming from where I did and now being part of this, especially with this rivalry, makes it even more special.”
As one of the Yankees’ standout bats this season, Boone and his team have decisions to make regarding his usage, particularly against lefties.
“Benny is making this a good problem to have,” Boone remarked on his strategy in creating the postseason lineup.
