NEW YORK -- Way before the fireworks that ensued in the ninth inning in a 3-2 loss to the Yankees, David Ortiz reached a milestone with his 50th career home run against the Yankees.
That two-run shot in the top of the first tied Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski for second on the all-time list for the Red Sox with 452 homers.
It was home run No. 510 in Ortiz's career, moving him past Gary Sheffield and into 25th on the all-time list.
Only the legendary Ted Williams (521 homers) has hit more homers in a Boston uniform than Ortiz.
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"Those guys did those things through their career and were dedicated," Ortiz said of Williams and Yaz. "I was just a guy who was trying to have a good career and put your family in a better situation. And all of a sudden, all these things are happening. It's a blessing."
Ortiz's 50 career homers against the Yankees are sixth all-time behind Jimmie Foxx (70), Williams (62), Manny Ramirez (55), Hank Greenberg (53) and Yastrzemski (52). The homer to right-center against Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda traveled an estimated 395 feet.
Ortiz has homered three times in four games against the Bronx Bombers this season, as the lefty slugger continues to torment his team's top rival.
In the ninth, Ortiz was ejected after taking two controversial strike calls against Yankees closer Andrew Miller. With the bases loaded and one out, Ortiz was hoping to tie the game or put the Red Sox ahead.
But it was not to be.