The New York Yankees made an immediate impact in the opening inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, and two of their teammates combined to accomplish something that had happened only once before in the history of the Midsummer Classic.
Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice each drove in a run during the first inning, placing themselves in rare company. According to OptaSTATS, they became just the second pair of teammates to record an RBI in the opening inning of an All-Star Game. The only previous teammates to achieve the feat were Cincinnati Reds stars Joe Morgan and George Foster, who did it during the 1977 All-Star Game.
Bellinger Delivers in All-Star Return
Bellinger got the American League offense rolling with two outs in the top of the first. Facing an early opportunity with runners on base, he lined a two-run single to give the AL a 2-0 lead. The hit marked a memorable return to the All-Star stage for Bellinger, who was making his first appearance in the exhibition since 2019.
Rice Makes His Debut Count
The Yankees’ strong start did not end there. Ben Rice followed by adding another run to the American League’s first-inning outburst with an RBI single of his own, extending the advantage to 3-0. For Rice, the moment carried extra significance. The young first baseman was not only making his All-Star Game debut but also earned a spot in the starting lineup, making his first appearance on one of baseball’s biggest stages even more memorable.
Neither Yankee was able to add another hit after the opening inning. Bellinger and Rice each received one more plate appearance during the game, but both were retired and finished with one hit apiece. Even so, their first-inning production was enough to secure a place in the All-Star record book alongside one of the greatest duos in Cincinnati Reds history.
Yankees Will Need More of the Same
The performance also served as another reminder of how important both players have become for New York. With Aaron Judge still sidelined, the Yankees have leaned heavily on Bellinger and Rice to help generate offense. Their production has helped keep the club competitive as it tries to stay within striking distance of the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.
One inning in an exhibition game does not change the standings, but moments like these can reflect the confidence players carry into the second half of the season. For the Yankees, seeing Bellinger deliver in his return to the All-Star spotlight and Rice shine in his first appearance offers another encouraging sign as the club prepares for the stretch run. Whether they are making history in an All-Star Game or producing in meaningful regular-season contests, New York will continue counting on both hitters while it waits for Judge’s return.
