Yankees destroy Red Sox in wild-card series sweep to set up ALDS date with Rays

· New York Post

The Yankees are headed back to the second round of the postseason for the second straight year. 

The Bombers toppled the Red Sox 9-2 in Game 2 on Wednesday night to complete the sweep of their American League East rival in the wild-card series, setting up a date with the Rays in Tampa in the ALDS this weekend. 

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A six-run sixth inning helped solidify the victory after the Yankees had grabbed a 2-0 lead with runs in the bottom of the fourth (Luis Garcia Jr. solo homer) and fifth (Cody Bellinger RBI single).

In the sixth, Bellinger hit a three-run home run to highlight the sixth inning, while George Lombard Jr., Austin Wells and Ryan McMahon each drove in runs. 

The Yankees’ Luis García Jr. is all smiles as he rounds the bases on his solo home run in the fourth inning on Sept. 30, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Fried reacts as he walks back to the dugout after ending the fifth inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger is greeted by second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. after scoring on a three-run home run in the sixth inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Max Fried pitched six innings, allowing just one run on three hits and striking out six batters. David Bednar shut the door in the ninth to close it out.

Game 1 of the division series with the Rays begins on Saturday with first pitch slated for 6:30 p.m.