Red Sox Take Game 1 of AL Wild Card Series Against Yankees

NEW YORK – Garrett Crochet put on a show in his first playoff start, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League wild card series on Tuesday night.

Pitching a career-high 117 pitches, Crochet struck out 11 batters and allowed just one run, which came from a home run by Anthony Volpe in the second inning. The impressive performance marked the most pitches by a starter in a playoff game since Stephen Strasburg in 2019.

“With them leaving me in there, I wanted to honor that decision,” Crochet said. “I felt like he’s put a lot of faith in me this year, and I haven’t let him down yet.”

The Red Sox took the lead in the seventh inning when Masataka Yoshida, pinch-hitting for Rob Refsnyder, knocked a two-run single off Yankees reliever Luke Weaver. With the victory, Boston is one win away from advancing to the AL Division Series.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked on Crochet’s performance, saying, “We got some good swings off, but he’s really good. We weren’t able to pressure them enough.”

Crochet’s dominance included retiring 17 of the last 18 batters he faced. He expressed confidence throughout the game, saying, “Up until that point, I was incredibly locked into the game.”

Yankees starter Max Fried pitched 6 ⅓ scoreless innings, walking three batters and striking out six, but his departure set the stage for the Red Sox’s comeback.

“I thought I had enough gas,” Fried said. “I’ve been plenty clear with [Boone], whatever they need me to do, I’m willing.”

As the Red Sox celebrated their win, Crochet’s performance was lauded by his teammates. “He’s the best pitcher in the game,” said Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, referencing Crochet’s ability to control the mound.

With history on their side, the Red Sox look to close out the series and secure their chance at advancing, while the Yankees must win the next two games to survive.