Yankees 9, Red Sox 2

For the second consecutive game, the New York Yankees manhandled the Boston Red Sox, winning 9–2 and punching their ticket to the ALDS. The win is the Yankees’ fourth straight postseason victory over the Red Sox, with the Bronx Bombers outscoring their rivals 26–5 in the process. It also set a major league record for the largest run differential in a Wild Card series (+16).

Yankees — Red Sox Game Summary

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The Yankees drew first blood again on Wednesday, taking a 1–0 lead off Luis Garcia Jr.’s 387-foot solo home run in the fourth. They doubled their lead an inning later, as Cody Bellinger scored Austin Wells with an RBI single into right field.

In the sixth inning, the Red Sox cut the lead in half with a Willson Contreras solo home run. However, the Yankees promptly put the game out of reach courtesy of a sixth-run sixth inning. George Lombard Jr. began the scoring with an RBI single, before Wells scored him on a sacrifice fly. Ryan McMahon followed suit with an RBI groundout, before Bellinger’s three-run home run to right field broke the game open.

After Nick Sogard’s solo home run in the seventh inning, Wells added one more run for good measure, singling to center field and giving the Yankees a 9–2 lead.

What Went Right For Yankees

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One night after Cam Schlittler dominated the Red Sox, Max Fried followed suit. Across six innings, the 10-year veteran allowed one earned run on three hits, striking out six in the process. For the 2026 season, Fried allowed two earned runs with 19 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings against the Red Sox.

On offense, the Yankees showed no signs of slowing down. One night after scoring nine runs on 12 hits, the Yankees scored nine more, this time on 14 hits. Of course, the long ball was key, as both Garcia Jr. and Bellinger went deep. However, the Yankees also displayed great situational hitting, scoring three runs off singles.

What Went Wrong For Yankees

The Yankees were nearly flawless once again, but a slow start on offense kept the Red Sox in the game. For the second straight night, the Yankees scored one run in the first four innings, although it hardly mattered by night’s end.

What Went Right For Red Sox

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Like Payton Tolle on Tuesday, Red Sox starter Sonny Gray had a relatively productive outing. Across 4 2/3 innings, the 36-year-old allowed two earned runs on six hits, striking out five. Unfortunately, due to the Red Sox offensive shortcomings, Gray was credited with the loss.

What Went Wrong For Red Sox

While the Red Sox’s offense did the team no favors, neither did the bullpen. Garrett Crochet and Garrett Whitlock combined to allow seven earned runs in 1 1/3 innings, putting the game out of reach. For the series, the Red Sox’s relief corps allowed 15 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings.

Manager Reactions

After a second straight Wild Card series victory, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared enthusiasm for Saturday’s contest.

“I’m really pleased with how we played,” said Boone postgame. “We’re excited to get our shot at a really good Tampa club.”

With the season officially over, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy offered a blunt response about the team’s season.

“Regardless of all the special things that happened this summer, the goal was to win the World Series,” said Tracy postgame. “That ended for us tonight.”

Next Matchup

The Yankees will have Thursday and Friday off before traveling south for Game One of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees have yet to announce a starter, while the Rays have in right-hander Drew Rasmussen.