What a great way to return to the post-season after a four-year absence!
New York scored first with a solo home run in the 2nd inning, but otherwise it was a Garrett Crochet pitching masterpiece for most of the game. He went 7⅔ innings, striking out 11 and allowing only four hits and no walks on 117 pitches.
Masataka Yoshida gave the Sox the lead in the 7th with a two-RBI single, and Alex Bregman hit an RBI double in the 9th to give Boston a 3-1 lead.
And then it almost all came apart. The normally untouchable Aroldis Chapman gave up three straight singles in the bottom of the 9th, tying up the bases with no outs. As you can imagine, the home crowd in Yankee Stadium went wild and despite all the noise and with the game-winning run on first, Chapman still had ice water in his veins, and got the next three batters out without allowing a run on two strikeouts and a pop fly.
The Boston Red Sox win their first post-season game since 2021.
Game 2 of this Wild Card series in tomorrow at 6:00. Brayan Bello (11-9, 3.35 during the regular season) will face Carlos Rodón (18-9, 3.09). Not to look ahead, but it would be great to win tomorrow and sweep the Yankees not only because Yankees suck, but also to get a little rest before facing Toronto in the ALDS. Whatever happens, happens, but never forget that this embattled Red Sox team not only made the playoffs this year, but won their first playoff game.
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