Boston finally scored—then a wild-pitch replay opened the floodgates for the Yankees

Boston's breakthrough only briefly changed the game

The New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 9-2 on Sept. 30, completing a two-game sweep in the American League Wild Card Series. The game was close until the sixth: Willson Contreras hit a solo homer for Boston to end a 26-inning postseason scoring drought and cut New York's lead to 2-1. The streak had stretched back to Game 2 of last year's Wild Card Series. apnews +1

Boston had also been shut out 9-0 in Tuesday's opener, leaving it on the brink before Game 2. The Yankees sent their longtime rival home in the Wild Card round for the second straight year. mlb +1

One reviewed play preceded New York's six-run surge

In the bottom half, Yankees rookie Spencer Jones struck out but reached first on a wild pitch. The initial out call was overturned on video review. Jones stole second, then advanced to third when catcher Adley Rutschman's throw went into center field. George Lombard Jr. drove him in with a single; a bunt single loaded the bases, and New York kept adding runs. apnews +1

The Yankees sent 10 batters to the plate and scored six times, turning a one-run game into an 8-1 lead. Cody Bellinger capped the inning with a three-run homer after Boston intentionally walked Ben Rice. Luis García Jr. had homered in the fourth, and Bellinger singled home another run in the fifth. mlb +1

New York's Max Fried held Boston to one run on three hits over six innings, with six strikeouts. The score stood at 2-1 when Contreras homered; the decisive surge came after Jones reached on the overturned play. apnews +1

Boston's offense could not recover

Across the two games, New York outscored Boston 18-2. The Red Sox managed seven hits in 60 at-bats, a .117 series average, and struck out 18 times. The defeat ended a season in which Boston climbed back from a 32-46 start to reach the playoffs; leadoff hitter Roman Anthony missed Game 2 with a hand injury. apnews +1

The result repeated last year's abrupt exit against the Yankees, but this time Boston did not win a game. Its only runs in the series came on the two solo home runs in Game 2. mlb +1

Tampa Bay is next

The Yankees advance to face American League East champion Tampa Bay in a best-of-five Division Series beginning Saturday, Oct. 3. New York captain Aaron Judge missed the Wild Card Series with a calf injury, and his availability for the next round remained uncertain after the sweep. apnews +1