Yankees Sweep Red Sox, Advance to ALDS
New York secures a dominant wild-card series victory and prepares to face the Rays.
The New York Yankees have advanced to the American League Division Series after completing a sweep of their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in the wild-card round. The Yankees secured their progression with a decisive 9-2 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
New York's offense was propelled by a six-run sixth inning, which broke open a previously close game. Cody Bellinger was a key contributor, hitting a three-run home run in the pivotal sixth inning. Earlier, Luis García Jr. had given the Yankees a 2-0 lead with a solo home run in the fourth, and Bellinger added an RBI single in the fifth.
Pitcher Max Fried delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings and allowing only one run on three hits while striking out six batters. David Bednar closed out the game in the ninth inning to seal the victory.
With this series win, the Yankees secure a spot in the ALDS, where they are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Rays. The first game of that series is set to begin on Saturday, with the first pitch at 6:30 p.m.