Cody Bellinger delivered a pivotal three-run home run Wednesday night to help the Boston Red Sox secure a 9-2 victory over the New York Yankees and clinch the American League Wild Card series at Yankee Stadium. The win advances Boston to the AL Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
With two outs in the sixth inning and Red Sox second baseman Trent Grisham on second base, Boston intentionally walked Ben Rice to face Bellinger, a power hitter signed by the Red Sox to a $162.5 million contract during the offseason. The move was influenced by Rice’s recent performance, as he had been a dominant force in the previous game and earlier in the series. Bellinger, however, capitalized on the opportunity, connecting with a changeup from Yankees reliever Garrett Whitlock and sending the ball over the fence for a crucial three-run homer that extended Boston’s lead.
Bellinger, known for his calm approach, acknowledged he anticipated the intentional walk. “I had a feeling that they might do that,” he said after the game. “I think when you hit behind [Aaron] Judge so often, you just get used to it.” Despite any potential slight, he maintained a professional demeanor and focused on his execution at the plate.
His round-tripper was the final scoring play of the game and helped turn a formerly close contest into a decisive win for the Red Sox. The home run came off a pitch that Bellinger lifted just enough to clear the outfield wall in Yankee Stadium, a venue known for its challenging dimensions.
Boston’s rally included an earlier home run from Willson Contreras in the top of the inning, which delivered the team’s initial run of the series. Contreras celebrated his milestone with a slow trot around the bases, a gesture that seemed intended to highlight the end to Boston’s scoring drought against the Yankees.
Though Bellinger did not witness Contreras’ celebration, he replicated the slow pace on his own home run trot, suggesting a shared moment of significance for the Red Sox. Despite the intensity of the postseason setting, Bellinger dismissed any notion of pettiness in his celebratory run.
The Red Sox now look ahead to their ALDS matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays, buoyed by a commanding win that showcased the contributions of their high-profile offseason acquisition. The victory marked a significant step in Boston's pursuit of another championship, with Bellinger's clutch hitting playing a central role.