Chisholm’s Heroics Lead Yankees to 4-3 Win AL Wild Card Tied

Jazz Chisholm Jr. zipped home from first base on Austin Wells' tiebreaking single in the eighth inning as the New York Yankees extended their season with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series on Wednesday night.

Chisholm, who was left out of the starting lineup in the opener, also made several key defensive plays at second base, helping the Yankees force a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night in the Bronx.

"What a game. I mean, it has been two great games, these first two. A lot of big plays on both sides," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

The winner of the series will advance to face AL East champion Toronto in a best-of-five Division Series starting Saturday.

"Should be a fun night," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

Early Offense and Key Defensive Plays

Ben Rice launched an early two-run homer on the first postseason pitch he saw, and Aaron Judge added an RBI single that deflected off diving left fielder Jarren Duran. The Yankees’ bullpen delivered three innings of scoreless relief after starter Carlos Rodón allowed two runners on in the seventh.

Devin Williams earned the win with a one-hit eighth inning, and David Bednar recorded his first postseason save. Judge’s catch of Ceddanne Rafaela’s fly ball on the right-field warning track ended the tense ninth inning.

For Boston, Trevor Story homered and drove in two runs with a single, but the team fell short after winning Game 1 behind lefty Garrett Crochet.

Chisholm’s Game-Changing Performance

Chisholm’s defensive contributions were pivotal. In the seventh inning, he made a diving stop on Masataka Yoshida’s infield single, saving at least one run. Later, he helped turn an inning-ending double play in the third, highlighting his impact on both sides of the game.

"He's a game-changer," Judge said. "He showed up at the park today and had the biggest plays for us."

In the eighth, with two outs, Chisholm drew a walk and sprinted home on Wells’ line drive, narrowly beating the throw from right fielder Nate Eaton with a headfirst slide.

"Any ball that an outfielder moves to his left or right, I have to score, in my head," Chisholm said.

Game 3

The Yankees will start rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler (4-3, 2.96 ERA) in Game 3. Schlittler, who grew up in Boston and attended Northeastern University, has long dreamed of pitching for the Yankees.

The Red Sox will counter with rookie left-hander Connelly Early (1-2, 2.33 ERA), making his fifth major league start since debuting on September 9, filling in for injured starter Lucas Giolito.