The New York Yankees’ postseason fears came true on Tuesday night, as their bullpen faltered in a 3-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card series at Yankee Stadium.
Max Fried delivered 6.1 strong innings, striking out seven and leaving with a 1-0 lead after Anthony Volpe’s solo home run in the second inning. But reliever Luke Weaver unraveled quickly, walking Ceddanne Rafaela after an 11-pitch battle before giving up a double to Nick Sogard. Pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida then ripped a two-run single to center, flipping the game in Boston’s favor.
That was enough support for Garrett Crochet, who overpowered New York’s lineup with 11 strikeouts across 7.2 innings. After allowing Volpe’s homer, the lefty retired 17 straight before exiting at a career-high 117 pitches.
Former Yankee Aroldis Chapman recorded the final four outs, working through a tense ninth after singles by Paul Goldschmidt, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger loaded the bases with none out. Chapman struck out Giancarlo Stanton, got a shallow fly from Jazz Chisholm Jr., and ended it with a 101 mph strikeout of Trent Grisham.
Boston tacked on insurance in the ninth when Alex Bregman lined an RBI double off David Bednar.
For New York, missed chances loomed large. Their best shot besides the ninth came in the opening frame, when Crochet stranded two by fanning Bellinger and inducing a double play from Stanton.
Now trailing 1-0 in the series, the Yankees must win Wednesday behind Carlos Rodón to keep their season alive against Boston’s Brayan Bello. The first pitch is set for 6:08 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.