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Rays – Yankees action delivered another memorable moment Wednesday night as Ben Rice powered the New York Yankees to a 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Rice launched home runs No. 40 and No. 41, surpassing manager Aaron Boone’s preseason prediction and tying for the American League home run lead.
The Yankees first baseman and designated hitter made an immediate impact, sending Mason Englert’s first pitch of the game into the second deck in right field at Yankee Stadium. Rice added another solo shot in the fourth inning, turning a friendly spring-training prediction into a night of celebration.
Rays – Yankees Star Ben Rice Delivers Explosive Power
Rice smiled and pointed toward Boone as he returned to the dugout following his first homer. After his second blast, the playful exchange continued. Boone had predicted Rice would finish the season with 39 home runs, deliberately choosing a number just below the major milestone.
“Hey, there’s 40 for you,” Rice recalled telling Boone. After the 41st homer, he joked that Boone’s prediction had inspired him throughout the season.
Rice finished the game with three hits and a walk, further highlighting his importance to an offense that has dealt with significant injuries. He now leads the Yankees with 97 RBIs and a .900 OPS while batting .263.
A Historic Milestone for the Yankees
Rice became the 13th Yankees player to record a 40-home run season. More impressively, he is only the third player in franchise history to reach that mark during his first three major league seasons, joining Joe DiMaggio and Aaron Judge.
His achievement is especially valuable because Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have missed much of the season. Rice has stepped into a central role, producing 16 go-ahead home runs and three game-tying shots. His timely power has helped stabilize a lineup that has often struggled to maintain consistency.
Judge praised Rice’s preparation and reliability, describing him as one of the best players on the team. The Yankees captain pointed to Rice’s daily work habits in the batting cage, training room and weight room as evidence of why his breakout season has been so successful.
From Late Bloomer to Offensive Force
Rice’s path to becoming a 40-home run hitter has been unusual. The Yankees selected him in the 12th round of the 2021 amateur draft out of Dartmouth. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, he played only 30 college games over three seasons.
Primarily a catcher in the minor leagues, Rice also gained experience at first base. He made his major league debut in June 2024 after Anthony Rizzo suffered a broken forearm. Rice hit .171 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in 50 games that season.
His progress accelerated last year, when he hit .255 with 26 home runs and 65 RBIs across 138 games. This season, he has appeared in 93 games as a designated hitter and 52 at first base, giving the Yankees valuable flexibility.
Gerrit Cole highlighted Rice’s balance at the plate, noting that the left-handed hitter stays composed against pitches across the strike zone. That discipline has allowed Rice to handle different pitching styles and maintain his power even when opponents adjust their approach.
Rice Finds His Form Before October
Rice’s season has included challenges. He was batting .306 through May before dropping to .196 in June. An 18-for-58 slump after the All-Star break lowered his average to .248 on Aug. 22.
However, he has responded emphatically. Rice is batting .333, going 34-for-102, since that point. Boone credited him with battling through the difficult stretch and finding his rhythm at an important stage of the regular season.
The Yankees will now hope Rice’s late-season surge carries into the postseason. With Judge’s availability still being monitored and Stanton working toward a possible return, Rice’s production could be critical to New York’s October ambitions.
Rice showed his potential as early as July 2024, when he became the first Yankees rookie to hit three home runs in one game. He also matched Lou Gehrig’s Yankees rookie record with seven RBIs in that contest.
What once appeared to be promising potential has now become dependable production. In a high-pressure Rays – Yankees matchup, Rice provided power, personality and another powerful reminder that he has become one of New York’s most important offensive players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many home runs did Ben Rice hit against the Rays?
Ben Rice hit two home runs against Tampa Bay, bringing his season total to 40 and then 41.
What did Aaron Boone predict about Ben Rice?
Aaron Boone predicted during spring training that Rice would finish the season with 39 home runs.
What was the Yankees’ score against the Rays?
The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 9-2.
How many RBIs does Ben Rice have?
Rice leads the Yankees with 97 RBIs and also owns a .900 OPS.
Why is Ben Rice important to the Yankees?
Rice has supplied consistent power while Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have missed significant time. His recent production could be crucial during the postseason.
