One Good, One Bad: Game 2 Wild Card Series

by Andrew Hefner

October 2, 2025

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I was fortunate enough to attend last night's game, and there really is no way to describe what I witnessed. From the high of Ben Rice’s first-inning home run to the low of Trevor Story mashing one just over Cody Bellinger’s head, Game 2 truly had it all.

Let's take a look at One Good and One Bad from Game 2 of the 2025 AL Wild Card Series.

One Good

The lineup, when put together correctly, is exactly as advertised. With Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm, and Ryan McMahon back in the lineup, Boone put together what I would argue is the Yankees' “A” lineup. The group works well together and finds ways to manufacture runs, unlike some other rotational pieces Boone has been looking to use in the past.

Ben Rice hit a first-inning two-run homer to put the Yankees up early on the first pitch of the postseason for the young slugger. He is an incredibly valuable piece to the team, and there is zero advantage or purpose to leaving him out of any lineup for the foreseeable future.

Jazz Chisholm took part in two of the most integral parts of the game, first saving a run on the defensive side with a slick diving block, and then later hustling from first to home on an Austin Wells double down the line. He is not just valuable for his bat, but his speed and defense have been phenomenal all year, and like Rice, he should always be a starter.

The Bad

This one is certainly a nitpicky gripe, but Carlos Rodon just did not look comfortable as the late innings progressed. Don't get me wrong, Rodon had a phenomenal start; however, by the end, he appeared to be losing a bit of control and poise, despite having plenty of longer starts and outings in the past. He was able to shake off Boone once from an earlier exit, but a walk and a hit by pitch later, Rodon’s night ended after a flat 6 IP of three-run ball.

Ordinarily, this wouldn't be a huge issue, and last night it was not, but the Yankees' bullpen really can not be left with three full innings of work with runners on base as it stands today. Luckily, many of the top relievers were rested in Game One, and all of them, especially Fernando Cruz, were excellent in working through trouble and holding the Yankees' tight lead.

I hope that if (or hopefully when) Rodon makes his way back out, he just works in a little more variety as he starts to work through the lineup for the third time, and he just seemed to get uncomfortable once Red Sox batters were really able to keep up with his pitches.

Game Three, another win-or-go-home matchup, will take place again at 8:08 PM at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and will be live on ESPN. Rookie Cam Schlittler will take the mound for the Yankees, while another first-year player, Connelly Early, will have the honors for the Red Sox.