New York Yankees rookie Spencer Jones became part of an unusual piece of postseason history during Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against Boston.
Jones struck out twice in the same sixth inning. He also reached base, scored a run, and helped start a huge Yankees rally. New York eventually beat Boston 9-2 to complete a two-game sweep.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Spencer Jones |
| Team | New York Yankees |
| Opponent | Boston |
| Game | Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series |
| Final Score | Yankees 9, Boston 2 |
| Key Inning | Sixth inning |
| Jones' Unusual Feat | Struck out twice and scored in the same postseason inning |
| Historical Note | Elias Sports Bureau identified it as the first known postseason occurrence |
| Next Opponent | Tampa Bay in the AL Division Series |
Elias Sports Bureau Confirms Rare Feat
The Elias Sports Bureau confirmed that Jones had created unusual postseason history.
According to Elias, no player had previously scored during a postseason inning that began and ended with that player striking out.
Elias also found no such example in the regular season since the expansion era began in 1969.
“Baseball can be a wacky sport,” Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger said after the game.
Yankees Turn the Game Around
Jones’ hustle helped keep the sixth inning alive.
The Yankees took advantage of the extra opportunity and quickly expanded their lead. George Lombard Jr. delivered an RBI single against Crochet.
Austin Wells followed with a sacrifice fly against Whitlock. Ryan McMahon then added another run with a groundout.
Bellinger finished the big inning with a three run home run. The Yankees had already intentionally walked Ben Rice before Bellinger came to the plate.
Aaron Boone Also Remembered a Similar Moment
ankees manager Aaron Boone was asked if he had ever struck out twice and scored in one inning.
At first, Boone said he probably had.
Then he remembered a specific college game from 1994.
Boone played third base for Southern California in an NCAA Tournament game against UNC Greensboro. He led off the first inning with a flyout.
USC then sent several batters to the plate and built a 7 0 lead.
Why Spencer Jones’ Moment Matters
Jones’ unusual achievement came during a crucial Yankees victory.
His hustle turned a strikeout into a trip to first base. His speed then helped him reach third. He eventually scored during the Yankees’ six run explosion.
The Yankees completed the Wild Card Series sweep with the 9 2 victory.
New York moved on to the American League Division Series against AL East champion Tampa Bay.
Spencer Jones Makes Postseason History
The next challenge is a series against Tampa Bay. The matchup will give New York another opportunity to continue its postseason run.
Spencer Jones produced one of the strangest moments of the Yankees’ postseason.
He struck out to begin the sixth inning and struck out again to end it. In between those two outs, he reached base, advanced to third, and scored.
The rare sequence helped create baseball history while also playing a part in New York’s 9 2 victory.
