The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will renew their rivalry on Thursday, opening a four-game series at Yankee Stadium that has obvious playoff implications. The Yankees enter Thursday with a 1 ½ game lead over the Red Sox for the American League's top wild card spot.

So when Ben Rice crushed a solo home run on Thursday night against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, it tied the game and one run apiece –– but the Yankees wound up losing 6-3. That cut New York's lead over Boston to just a half game for second place in the American League East Standings, as they trail the Toronto Blue Jays by 4.5 games.

Brayan Bello is slated to take the mound for Boston against Max Fried for New York.

Roman Anthony's home run in the ninth innings was crucial in the Red Sox's 6-3 win over the Yankees, earning praise from Alex Bregman.

Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia – who is fittingly nicknamed "The Password" – has been called up to the big leagues. Boston called up the outfielder from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday ahead of a crucial four-game series against the New York Yankees.