"Give Ben Rice a lifetime extension" - Yankees fans overjoyed after rookie's historic offensive explosion leads to victory over Red Sox
New York Yankees rookie Ben Rice came up huge for his team on Saturday during Game 2 of their three-game series. The slugger became the first rookie in Bronx Bombers history to have three home runs in a single game.
He hit one in the first, fifth, and seventh innings, leading to a huge win. The Yanks took down their division rivals by a score of 14-4, evening up the series at one apiece.
Rice ended up finishing the afternoon going 3-for-5 with seven runs batted in and three runs scored. The win improved NY's record to 55-36, keeping them within striking distance of the Baltimore Orioles.
The fanbase could not be happier with their team's performance, especially coming from Rice. They are excited to see the slugger continue to step up at first base, a position they have struggled with this year.
"Give Ben Rice a lifetime extension" - one fan said.
"Everyday first baseman" - said another.
"He had an amazing day! Well done to him" - said another.
What makes Rice's day even better is that he did it at the leadoff spot. if this team can get consistent firepower from the leadoff spot, they are going to be a tough team to beat.
"That's more like it" - said another fan.
"Now let's get this series" - said another.
"Now, keep this winning consistent again!" - said another.
Now with the series tied at one apiece, it all comes down to Game 3 on Sunday. Hopefully, the offense still has some production left after their offensive explosion on Saturday.
Yankees may have found their new leadoff hitter after Ben Rice's monstrous day
For much of the season, the Yankees have deployed Anthony Volpe at the leadoff spot. However, they were looking to switch things up as the team has been on a cold streak lately.
Volpe was moved to the five-hole on Saturday, and it could be where he stays. It would be hard to move on from Ben Rice after how he led the team on Saturday. This could be exactly what the team needed to get them out of their slump.
The Yanks finish their series with the Red Sox on Sunday before moving two important series. They take on the Tampa Bay Rays and then the Baltimore Orioles ahead of the All-Star break.