Brief

Yankees pop champagne after 9-2 wild‑card win over Red Sox

Aaron Judge praised the Knicks while Cody Bellinger called the atmosphere electric, and Garrett Crochet lamented the Red Sox’s season ending.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:22:46 GMT

The Yankees sealed a 9-2 victory in Game 2 of the AL wild‑card series on September 30, 2026, clinching the series and advancing to the ALDS against the Rays, according to the New York Post.

What happened

New York’s win came after a dominant performance by Cody Bellinger, who hit a three‑run homer in the sixth inning. The game marked the Yankees’ second straight wild‑card series win over Boston. After the game, the team gathered in the home clubhouse for a champagne celebration.

What the reports add

The Post noted that Aaron Judge, sidelined with a right calf strain, was present and said the team was inspired by New York’s 2026 basketball champions, the Knicks. Garrett Crochet, returning from left‑shoulder inflammation, was quoted expressing disappointment about Boston’s season ending, saying, “I feel healthy but I feel like s‑t.”

What was said

“We’re definitely inspired by the Knicks, gotta keep the winning going in New York,” Judge told the Post.

“Honestly, this place is such an amazing place to play in the postseason… Fans are so into the game; it’s just an electric atmosphere,” Bellinger told YES Network, as reported by the Post.

“I feel healthy but I feel like s‑t… It just sucks that’s how it ends for us,” Crochet said after Boston’s loss.

How it came about

The series followed earlier coverage of the Yankees‑Red Sox wild‑card matchup, including a pre‑series preview of pitching matchups and a prior game where Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice set historic marks. The Yankees now move on to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, beginning Saturday.

Key facts

The Yankees won Game 2 9-2 to clinch the AL wild‑card series. (nypost.com)
Aaron Judge, out with a calf strain, said the team was inspired by the Knicks. (nypost.com)
Cody Bellinger hit a three‑run homer in the sixth inning. (nypost.com)
Garrett Crochet returned from shoulder inflammation and expressed disappointment after the loss. (nypost.com)