New York Yankees rookie first baseman Ben Rice became the first Yankee rookie to hit three home runs in a single game, leading the team to a 14-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
Ben Rice, the New York Yankees rookie first baseman, etched his name into franchise history on Saturday with a remarkable three-home run performance against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Rice's prodigious display of power helped the Yankees snap a four-game losing streak and secure a resounding 14-4 victory.
The 25-year-old from Cohasset, Massachusetts, became the first Yankees rookie to hit three home runs in a single game since Joe DiMaggio accomplished the feat in 1936. Rice's historic performance marked a triumphant moment for both himself and the team, especially given the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox.
Ben Rice Makes Yankees History with Three-Home Run Game
Rice's first home run came in the third inning off Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta, a solo blast that gave the Yankees an early lead. He then followed it up with a two-run homer in the fifth inning against reliever Ryan Brasier, extending the Yankees' advantage to 4-0.
However, the Red Sox fought back, scoring four runs in the top of the sixth inning to tie the game. Undeterred, Rice stepped up to the plate once again in the bottom of the seventh inning and launched a towering solo home run off reliever John Schreiber, putting the Yankees back in front for good.
Ben Rice Makes Yankees History with Three-Home Run Game
Rice finished the day with an impressive 3-for-5 performance at the plate, driving in a total of seven runs and showcasing his prodigious power. His three home runs accounted for all of the Yankees' runs in the game, highlighting his significant contribution to the team's victory.
After hitting his third home run, Rice was greeted with raucous applause from the Yankee Stadium crowd, who chanted "MVP" and urged him to take a curtain call. It took a moment for Rice to emerge from the dugout, but he eventually obliged, acknowledging the adulation of the fans.
Ben Rice Makes Yankees History with Three-Home Run Game
In a post-game interview, Rice expressed his elation over the historic accomplishment. "It's definitely a day I'll never forget," he said. "I'm just pumped that it was a big-time win for us, a good bounce-back win, and over my hometown team. So it's pretty cool."
Rice's performance was all the more impressive given that he grew up as a Red Sox fan. As a child, he had the opportunity to sign the Pesky Pole at Fenway Park with the message "Yankees Rule," a playful nod to his current team's rivalry with the Red Sox.
Rice's three-home run game is a testament to his exceptional talent and the promise he holds for the Yankees' future. The Yankees will look to continue their winning ways and secure the series victory against the Red Sox on Sunday, with Rice hoping to add to his historic performance and further establish his status as a rising star in Major League Baseball.
