j azz Chisholm Jr. Powers Yankees to Season-Saving Playoff Win Over Red Sox
Left out of the starting lineup in Game 1, Jazz Chisholm Jr. came back with fire — and flair — to keep the New York Yankees' playoff hopes alive. The All-Star second baseman delivered clutch defense and scored the go-ahead run in a dramatic 4–3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series on Wednesday night.
Chisholm’s night included a momentum-shifting walk in the eighth inning and a lightning-fast dash from first to home on Austin Wells’ tiebreaking single down the right-field line. His headfirst slide at the plate narrowly beat the tag, igniting the Bronx crowd and sending the series to a decisive Game 3.
From Frustration to Fire: Chisholm Answers the Call
After being benched in Game 1 against left-handed ace Garrett Crochet, Chisholm admitted he was upset. He vented in his own way — not with words, but by playing and winning a video game. “I played ‘MLB: The Show’ and mercy-ruled someone,” he said postgame. “That’s how I get my stress off.”
Back in the lineup Wednesday against Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello, Chisholm made sure to make his presence felt. He worked a crucial walk in the eighth and sprinted home on Wells’ slicing hit, just beating a strong throw from right fielder Nate Eaton.
Defensive Brilliance on Display
Chisholm also flashed his glove throughout the night, preventing multiple runs. In the third inning, he kickstarted an inning-ending double play with two on. In the seventh, he made a diving stop to rob Masataka Yoshida of a potential RBI single.
“He’s a game-changer. He showed his maturity tonight,” Yankees captain Aaron Judge said. “He had the biggest plays for us.”
Manager Boone and Chisholm Reaffirm Trust
The decision to bench Chisholm in Game 1 stirred some public tension, but both he and manager Aaron Boone confirmed after the win that there’s no rift. “There is never a problem between me and Aaron Boone,” Chisholm said. “He understands me. He knows I’m a passionate player.”
Boone echoed the sentiment: “Jazz and I are good. He loves the big moments. He’s always going to compete.”
Yankees Force Game 3 With All Eyes on Chisholm
With the series now tied 1–1, Chisholm is expected to start again in Game 3, this time facing Red Sox rookie left-hander Connelly Early. After his electric Game 2 performance, the Yankees know they’ll need more of the same from one of their most dynamic players.
“He’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen,” said Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz. “I knew he was scoring no matter what.”
