RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Rice Steps Up When Stars Are Out
The New York Yankees are bleeding stars to the injury list. Now Ben Rice carries the heavy weight of the lineup. He proved tonight he can handle the pressure. The team needed a hero, and Rice delivered a massive performance. He stepped up while everyone else looked to him from the bench.
Ben Rice. That’s the name.
This win shows the young All-Star is ready for the big moment. The lineup will eventually be whole again, but Rice is showing he can lead now. His performance erased an early deficit and sparked a huge rally. On Monday, the Yankees defeated the White Sox 9-5. It was a crucial game for a team trying to stay afloat.
The Night Rice Carried the Load
Chicago hosted the game at Rate Field on Monday evening. The Yankees trailed early but refused to give up. Rice ripped a tiebreaking seventh-inning single to change the momentum. His team-leading 73rd RBI of the season came from this hit. He drove in the run that put New York ahead for good.
One hit. That changed everything.
The rally included help from three late errors by the White Sox. One error helped set up Rice’s sharp line drive off Bryan Hudson. Jazz Chisholm Jr. added a run-scoring single in the eighth inning. Ali Sánchez hit his first Major League home run. Left field saw a three-run shot off Sean Newcomb. These hits sealed the 9-5 win for New York.
Returning from the injured list, Max Fried started for the second time. He threw 66 pitches over three-plus innings to build stamina. A 32-pitch first inning spelled a short evening for the starter. Chicago touched Fried for three runs in the first inning alone. Facing him, Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Braden Montgomery all recorded RBIs. Fried permitted five hits and two walks while striking out four batters.
In the fourth inning, New York took advantage of a bases-loaded, none-out chance. They built a four-run frame during that crucial moment. Anthony Volpe chopped a run-scoring grounder to start the surge. Chisholm ripped a game-tying, two-run double to the gap in right-center field. Spencer Jones knocked in another run with a groundout. Chicago tied the game in the fifth, as Miguel Vargas legged out a hustle double. He then scored on Colson Montgomery’s run-scoring hit.
Why This Performance Matters Now
Ben Rice has shown he is not just a placeholder for injured stars. He is a legitimate force who can drive the offense forward. The weight on his shoulders has continued to increase all season. Stars intended to protect him in the lineup now look to him. Rice proved he can handle that load without flinching. This is exactly what a team needs during a slump.
Can he keep it up?
The Yankees cannot rely on a return from the injured list right away. They need immediate production from their young core. Rice’s 73 RBIs prove he knows how to get it done. He delivered when the team needed a tiebreaking hit most. This kind of clutch performance builds confidence throughout the entire roster. It tells the rest of the team that the offense is alive.
The rally against the White Sox showed resilience under pressure. The team erased an early deficit and took control of the game. Three late errors helped, but Rice’s hit was the catalyst. He drove in the go-ahead run with a sharp line drive. This moment defines his season and his role in the lineup. He is no longer just a backup; he is a starter who wins games.
What Fans Should Watch Next
The Yankees lineup will eventually be whole again with healthy stars. Until then, Rice must keep stepping up to carry the offense. Fans should watch how he performs against better pitching in the coming weeks. His ability to handle the load will define the rest of the season. The team needs him to stay consistent as they push for the playoffs.
Will he sustain it?
Max Fried also needs to build more stamina in his starts. He threw only 66 pitches over three-plus innings against Chicago. He must go deeper into games to save the bullpen. The Yankees need their rotation to hold up alongside the hot offense. If Fried can go five or six innings, the team will win more games. Keep an eye on Rice and Fried as they lead this charge.
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