Just when it seemed that the situation at the Stadium couldn’t become any stranger after Gerrit Cole’s No Mas episode with Rafael Devers in the fourth inning on Saturday, Boston’s manager Alex Cora casually disclosed before Sunday’s game that the Red Sox had indeed attempted to hit Aaron Judge with a pitch in the sixth inning.
“That’s not allowed,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone responded when he heard Cora’s statement after his team’s 5-2 victory, during which Judge crushed a 445-footer to dead center for his 53rd home run in the third inning. “That’s for someone else to deal with.”
This 27-hour span will likely be remembered as an unusual footnote in the saga of The Rivalry. It doesn’t match the significance of Harry Frazee selling Babe Ruth, nor does it evoke memories of Thurman Munson and Carlton Fisk, or Graig Nettles and Bill Lee. It lacks the drama of Bucky Dent’s home run to left, Grady Little’s decision to leave Pedro Martinez in too long, or the moment a third baseman named Boone homered late in Game 7 of 2003. It isn’t even comparable to overcoming or squandering a 3-0 lead in the ALCS a year later.
Yet, it was still something noteworthy.
Cora made his admission casually, responding to a question about any potential repercussions from Saturday’s accusations, where he claimed Cole intentionally hit Devers in the first inning. Indeed, Cole did hit three batters during his 4 ¹/₃ innings.
“It was closed yesterday around the sixth inning,” the manager remarked, a statement that could be deemed an excited utterance were it not delivered so nonchalantly. “We had our chance. It didn’t happen. We have to move on.”
During the sixth inning, Boston starter Brayan Bello’s initial pitch whizzed behind Judge’s legs before No. 99 lined out to deep center. Bello was subsequently replaced by Bailey Horn.
“That’s baseball,” an unfazed Judge replied, humorously mimicking John Sterling’s style. “He missed. Nothing I could do.”
Cora inadvertently revealed that he had met with Judge after the game while mistakenly thinking he was discussing a postgame chat with Boone. When asked about their conversation, Judge described it as “a good convo, let’s leave it at that.”
Judge had showcased his power by carrying his bat about two-thirds of the way up the line after launching the ball that hit off the restaurant above Monument Park, giving the Yanks a 4-0 advantage. When asked if this was a statement, Judge remained noncommittal. He’s not one for showboating like Cora.
“I thought I did that all the time,” he said. “No?”
The Yankees took three out of four games and wrapped up the homestand with a three-game lead over the Orioles in the division, finishing with a record of 5-2 in The Bronx. Gleyber Torres continued to excel as the leadoff hitter, Carlos Rodon performed admirably, and the revamped bullpen held strong. It was a promising day for Boone’s squad.
Perhaps Saturday’s events, along with Cole’s baffling choice to intentionally walk Devers in the fourth inning, will ultimately be little more than a minor incident, shrouded in mystery. It may simply become a fleeting 24- or 48-hour story, forgotten by the time the playoffs begin and Cole is set to pitch in Game 1.
However, I’m not so sure. My confusion doesn’t stem from the specific details. It’s not about whether catcher Austin Wells was in on discussions between Cole and pitching coach Matt Blake before the inning when Devers was at bat.
It’s not about a failure in communication, for which Boone accepted responsibility when questioned on Sunday, though any confusion in the dugout does raise alarms.
I struggle to grasp the mindset behind introducing such a concept to Cole either leading up to the game or in the dugout an inning before Devers’ at-bat. It seems vastly removed from the realm of positive thinking.
It’s hard to imagine Roger Clemens would have reacted in this manner. In fact, Clemens might have thrown a bat at Devers instead of granting him free passage. It’s similarly difficult to picture C.C. Sabathia being comfortable with this approach. Not to mention legends like Catfish Hunter, Tom Seaver, Don Drysdale, or Bob Gibson—can you envision their reactions?
But perhaps it’s unfair to judge Cole too harshly. He embodies the archetype of a traditional starter, much like Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer. Cole is reliable and very much a classic ace. Yet, there he was, metaphorically waving a white flag from the mound while theatrically gesturing for Devers to take first base, as if he were a pompous usher at the Lincoln Center Philharmonic.
Simultaneously, this is the era of analytics in which Cole operates. He also finds himself with a Yankees organization that seems to consider itself the most astute in the game, despite not having won a championship since 2009.
This is the same group, including Blake, that infamously employed Deivi Garcia as a Game 2 opener in the 2020 best-of-five series against Tampa Bay—one that the Yankees lost in five games after leading 1-0.
Cole declared no mas. Cora admitted that the Red Sox attempted to hit Judge. No. 99 hit a home run. The Yanks claimed three out of four.
These are the footnotes of The Rivalry.
Chaos on the Field: A Wild Weekend in the Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in all of sports. The passion of the fans, the history of the teams, and the fierce competition create an electric atmosphere during games. This past weekend, the rivalry reached new heights of chaos that left fans buzzing and analysts scrambling to make sense of the action. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the weekend’s events, the key moments, and what it all means for the teams moving forward.
The Weekend Overview
Over the course of three games, the Yankees and Red Sox clashed in a series filled with thrilling plays, unexpected outcomes, and a fair share of drama. Here’s a brief overview of the weekend:
- Game 1: Yankees secure a dramatic last-minute victory.
- Game 2: Red Sox showcase offensive prowess, dominating the field.
- Game 3: A chaotic finish leads to ejections and heated arguments.
Game Highlights
Game 1: Last-Minute Heroics
The first game of the series was nothing short of a nail-biter. After trailing for most of the match, the Yankees pulled off a stunning comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning. Here are some standout moments:
- Clutch Hitting: Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer that ignited the Yankees’ rally.
- Pitching Duel: Gerrit Cole went toe-to-toe with Chris Sale, both putting on a masterclass performance.
- Defensive Plays: A spectacular catch by Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield kept the Yankees in contention.
Game 2: Red Sox’s Dominance
The Red Sox came into game two with a vengeance, putting on an offensive display that had Yankees fans shaking their heads. Key moments included:
- Power Surge: Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez each hit home runs, contributing to a significant lead.
- Pitching Strength: Nick Pivetta delivered an impressive outing, fanning ten batters.
- Fielding Excellence: The Red Sox defense turned a crucial double play that shifted momentum back in their favor.
Game 3: Chaos Ensues
The final game of the weekend took a turn for the chaotic. An intense atmosphere led to several controversial calls and confrontations on the field:
- Contentious Calls: A disputed ball/strike call led to ejections for both managers.
- Bench Clearing: Players from both teams had to be separated after a heated exchange in the seventh inning.
- Last-Minute Drama: The game ended with a walk-off single from Yankees’ rookie sensation, Anthony Volpe.
Statistics and Standings
Following the weekend series, the team statistics saw a significant shift. Below is a table summarizing key stats from the three games:
| Team | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3</th | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 5 | 1 | 6 | 12 |
| Boston Red Sox | 4 | 8 | 5 | 17 |
Key Players of the Weekend
This weekend showcased some standout performances from key players on both teams. Here’s a look at who shone brightest:
- Aaron Judge (Yankees): The captain delivered crucial hits and led the team by example.
- Chris Sale (Red Sox): Despite the loss in Game 1, Sale’s performance was impressive, showcasing his veteran skills.
- Rafael Devers (Red Sox): His offensive contributions in Game 2 were pivotal in securing a decisive win.
- Anthony Volpe (Yankees): The young rookie showed poise under pressure with a walk-off hit in Game 3.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzz
As always with the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, fans took to social media to express their excitement, frustration, and everything in between. Here are some trending topics from the weekend:
- #YankeesVsRedSox: Fans flooded Twitter with highlights and reactions.
- #AaronJudge: Posts praising Judge’s leadership and clutch hitting garnered significant engagement.
- #RedSoxNation: Celebratory posts from Red Sox fans after their Game 2 victory.
- #RivalryWeek: The rivalry took center stage in sports discussions across platforms.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
With the series concluded, both teams must now focus on their upcoming schedules. Here’s what to expect:
- Yankees: A crucial series against division rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays, where maintaining momentum will be key.
- Red Sox: They face the Toronto Blue Jays, aiming to build on their offensive success.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Future Games
Attending a Yankees-Red Sox game is an exhilarating experience. Here are some tips for fans looking to catch the action live:
- Arrive Early: Get to the stadium early to soak in the atmosphere and catch pre-game activities.
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by wearing your team’s colors, but be prepared for some friendly rivalry banter.
- Stay Hydrated: Games can be long; make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Engage on Social Media: Use game-specific hashtags to join the conversation and share your experience.
Case Study: A Rivalry Like No Other
The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is often cited in sports studies as one of the fiercest in history. Factors contributing to the rivalry include:
- Historical Context: A long history dating back over a century, filled with memorable moments.
- Geographical Proximity: The teams are just a few hours apart, adding to the competitive spirit.
- High Stakes: Frequent playoff encounters elevate the intensity during regular-season matchups.
As the rivalry continues to unfold, fans can expect even more chaos and excitement in the future. The unpredictability of each game only adds to the legacy of these two iconic teams.
