Rays vs. Pirates: Feb 22, 2026 Game Recap and Highlights

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The New York Yankees pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in extra innings, thanks to a game-winning single by Aaron Judge.

This intense showdown at Fenway Park put the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry right back in the spotlight. Fans got a real treat, and the playoff implications? Pretty huge.

The Battle at Fenway: Key Moments

Right from the start, both teams showed off their pitching. Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole struck out eight over six innings.

Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi matched that energy, holding the Yankees’ bats quiet for most of the game.

Things shifted in the later innings. Giancarlo Stanton launched a solo homer in the fourth, giving the Yankees the first run.

Rafael Devers answered back in the sixth with a two-run shot, putting Boston ahead. DJ LeMahieu came through in the eighth with a clutch RBI double to tie things up, and suddenly the game was wide open.

Aaron Judge’s Heroics

Extra innings brought extra tension. Fenway Park felt like it was ready to burst.

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In the top of the tenth, Aaron Judge stepped up and ripped a single to drive in the go-ahead run. That moment—pure drama, pure Judge.

Standout Performances

A handful of players really left their mark in this one. Here are the names that stood out:

  • Gerrit Cole: Eight strikeouts, six strong innings—he kept Boston’s bats mostly quiet.
  • Giancarlo Stanton: His solo homer in the fourth got the Yankees on the board and set the tone.
  • Rafael Devers: Two-run homer in the sixth, showing off that power again.
  • DJ LeMahieu: Clutch double in the eighth to tie it up—timing couldn’t have been better.
  • Aaron Judge: Game-winning single in the tenth. What else can you say?

Implications for the Playoff Race

Both teams are clawing for a postseason spot. The Yankees gained a bit of ground with this win, tightening things up in the American League race.

The Red Sox have to regroup fast if they want to stay in the hunt. With just a few games left, every single result matters now.

Fan Reactions and Atmosphere

Fenway was buzzing all night. Fans from both sides brought the noise, and the rivalry felt as fierce as ever.

On social media, Yankees fans couldn’t stop talking about Judge’s clutch hit. Red Sox fans vented their frustration but, honestly, most still held out hope for a late-season rally.

Looking Ahead

The regular season’s winding down, and both teams need to stay sharp. Every game from here on out could tip the scales for the playoffs.

For the Yankees, keeping this momentum is huge. They’ll lean on Cole, Stanton, and Judge to keep delivering.

The Red Sox? They need to shake this one off and find a way to win the next. It’s crunch time, and their resilience is about to get tested.

Conclusion

The Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Red Sox in extra innings added another wild chapter to their long rivalry. Aaron Judge came through with a game-winning single, and honestly, it felt like he just keeps proving how crucial he is for the Yankees’ playoff hopes.

For a detailed recap of the game, you can check out the full game summary on ESPN.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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