Game 1 of the wild-card series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday was supposed to be tense and tight. Ben Rice, however, apparently skipped the script and wrote one of his own.

Rice delivered a memorable performance to help the Yankees crush the Red Sox, 9-0, at Yankee Stadium. He blasted off two home runs, including a grand slam in the eighth inning, and drove in six runs.

Fans showered the Rice with praise, and the 27-year-old hitter stressed that they will not let their foot off the gas, especially against their archenemy, in Game 2 on Wednesday.

“We always like our chances with Max Fried on the mound. He's one of the best pitchers in the game, so I'm looking forward to seeing that, and whoever comes in after, we know he's gonna get the job done,” said Rice, who hit 4-of-5 in Game 1, in the postgame interview.

“There's nothing better. Yankees-Red Sox in the Bronx, so we're pumped.”

Ben Rice joins Tom Verducci after collecting 6⃣ RBI, tying the @Yankees record for most in a Postseason game 👏

"It's the same approach as always… just doing anything I can to push at least one run across." https://t.co/EvMFdC2AiS pic.twitter.com/BVlkopU96Q

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 30, 2026

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Fried will try to follow up on the impressive performance of Cam Schlittler, who had 10 strikeouts in the series opener. Schlittler only allowed two baserunners, two singles, and a walk.

Rice, who became an All-Star for the first time this season, has been nothing but phenomenal for the Yankees, leading the youth movement, with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton out of commission. He noted that their tight bond has been key to their success.

“Everyone just believes in how we came up and how they (veterans) developed us. We just all stick together out here. We got good camaraderie. The communication is great. We all make each other feel at home here. It's just a special group to be a part of,” said Rice.

The Yankees are looking to play in the division series for the eighth time in 10 years.