Bellinger's Blast Seals Yankees' Wild-Card Sweep Over Red Sox Cody Bellinger's three-run home run in the sixth inning cemented the New York Yankees' victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the Wild Card series. The slugger's slow trot around the bases, seemingly in response to an earlier Red Sox player's leisurely run, added a touch of drama to the dominant 9-1 win, securing the Yankees' spot in the next round of the playoffs. The Red Sox wanted to pitch to a slugging outfielder who had been signed to a $162.5 million contract this winter. With two outs in the sixth inning and Trent Grisham on second base, Boston intentionally walked Ben Rice to take its chances with Bellinger. And after Bellinger reached out and got just enough juice behind a Garrett Whitlock changeup for a three-run home run, he slowly trotted around the bases in a fashion that hinted he noticed Boston's Willson Contreras had done the same in the top of the inning. Regardless of the motivation, Bellinger's execution was flawless in turning a close game lopsided, his blast the last that mattered in what became aNew York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning during Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, September 30, 2026.Red Sox Prefer Facing BellingerChad Tracy and the Red Sox had reason to prefer facing Belling Bellinger in what was then a game they trailed, 5-1, simply because Bellinger was not Rice. A night earlier, the Yankees first baseman/DH was unstoppable in going 4-for-5 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs. Celebrate the Yankees' playoff run with the official New Era 2026 Postseason fitted hat. Features a classic navy design and side patch.Rep Aaron Judge in this premium Nike jersey. Breathable mesh and Dri-Fit technology keep you cool while cheering on the Yankees. Show your Yankees pride every day with this classic '47 Brand Branson adjustable cap. Available in multiple colors for a comfortable, custom fit.Gear up for October baseball with this midweight Yankees Postseason hoodie. The perfect layer for staying warm during every nail-biting inning. Back the captain in comfort with this standard-fit Nike Aaron Judge tee. Features a high-density name and number design on the back.Bellinger Swing Shaped By BallparkAnd so it was Bellinger who was left to feel inspired, which resulted in a swing that would not have produced a home run in any other ballpark. He got under the Whitlock pitch, lifting it high enough that there was no doubt it would be a home run or an out at the wall. Which meant there was a bit more reason for Bellinger to not sprint out of the box.He walked, then slow-jogged to first, saw it land in the stands 360 feet away just beyond the reach of Wilyer Abreu, and then saw no reason to speed up. New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger reacts as he rounds the bases on his three-run home run in the sixth inning.Just a few minutes earlier, Contreras had popped a home run for the Red Sox' first run of the series and ran as if he wanted Boston to savor every moment of the drought-buster. The trot was officially clocked at 30.09 seconds.Contreras Bellinger Base Running DuelIn a series in which the Yankees beat the Red Sox in every way imaginable, this apparent battle of pettiness went to the Yankees too: Bellinger slogged around the bases absorbing the cheers just a bit longer at 31.29 seconds. New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning during Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, September 30, 2026.New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger reacts as he rounds the bases on his three-run home run in the sixth inning.