Yankees Clinch Wild Card Series in Dominant Fashion, Sparking Celebration
New York advances to ALDS after sweeping Red Sox, while Boston's Garrett Crochet expresses disappointment.
The New York Yankees secured a commanding 9-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on September 30, 2026, sweeping the American League wild-card series and advancing to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. The win was met with jubilant celebrations in the Yankees' clubhouse.
Amidst the festivities, Aaron Judge, who did not play in the series due to a right calf strain, expressed his excitement and drew parallels to New York's basketball team. "We're definitely inspired by the Knicks, gotta keep the winning going in New York," Judge stated.
The Yankees' dominance was evident throughout the game, with Cody Bellinger's three-run homer in the sixth inning extending their lead and ultimately sealing the victory. Bellinger described the postseason atmosphere at Yankee Stadium as "special" and "electric."
In contrast, the Red Sox experienced a swift end to their postseason hopes. Pitcher Garrett Crochet, who recently returned from a left shoulder inflammation layoff, struggled in relief, allowing three runs on four hits without recording an out.
"I feel healthy but I feel like s--t," Crochet said following the loss. "For our season to end the same way it did last year, against what the media would probably portray, and I think a lot of the guys in this clubhouse would say, is our biggest rival, it sucks."
The Yankees are scheduled to begin their ALDS series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.