Ben Rice connected for his 21st home run of the season Friday night, helping the New York Yankees build an early lead in a win over the Cincinnati Reds.
The 27 year old first baseman hit a three run shot in the bottom of the second inning off Reds starter Rhett Lowder. The ball traveled 433 feet at 109.1 mph exit velocity and cleared the wall in right field, putting the Yankees up 4-0.
Rice, who entered the game batting .291 with 49 RBIs, now ranks among the top American League hitters in several categories. His 21 home runs sit third in the AL, while his slugging percentage and OPS rank near the top. Friday's homer marked another solid step in what has become a productive year for the Cohasset, Massachusetts native.
New York improved to 45-28 with the victory. Rice and the Yankees will look to keep the momentum going as the season heads toward the All Star break.