Yankees’ Austin Wells makes MLB history, becomes first player to accomplish feat

On Sunday afternoon, the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox by a score of 16-1. The game gave the Yankees the series win and the season series win, which could be huge come MLB playoff time. If the two teams finish the season tied, the Yankees now own the tiebreaker. That wasn't the only story, though.

The game results on Sunday were exciting, but it's what Austin Wells did during the game that made history. Perhaps it is the type of performance that can change the fortunes of his season, too.

Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) celebrates his go ahead RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning of game two of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

There are times when pinch hitters make a massive impact on the game in one inning, but no player has come in and launched two balls over the wall in the same inning. Sunday, Austin Wells hit two home runs in the contest versus the Boston Red Sox and became the first player in MLB history to hit two home runs in the same inning as a pinch hitter.

The Yankees rallied that entire inning, scoring 8 runs in the bottom of the 8th to seal the series against the Boston Red Sox.

Can Austin Wells turn his season around?

May 3, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Austin Wells has been criticized for his lack of offense on this team, but over his last 10 games, the Yankees catcher is hitting .269 and has 9 RBIs. Since July 9th, he is slashing .250 with 25 hits and 16 RBIs.

The big question for Wells has always been the offense. He is currently batting .184 on the season with an OPS of .593. Recently, the bat has picked up, but one thing that Yankee fans wanted was to upgrade at catcher for better offense.

He is one of the best framers in the league and knows the strike zone. Wells is 3rd in the MLB in successful overturns with 68. Only William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers and Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds have higher percentages.

Wells can still be a good hitter and has shown better at-bats through this recent stretch. He is going to be the starting playoff catcher, barring any injury, so Austin Wells still has a great opportunity to turn his year around.