BOSTON (AP) — The elimination of unbalanced schedules in baseball is unfortunate for the Boston Red Sox, as they could greatly benefit from facing the New York Yankees more frequently.
On Sunday night, the Red Sox triumphed over their longstanding AL East rivals with a score of 4-1, completing a doubleheader and securing a series sweep. This remarkable achievement brought them within a mere two games of the Yankees in the division standings. Boston dominated the series opener with a resounding 15-5 victory, and then continued their winning streak in Sunday’s day game with a 6-2 win, which served as a makeup for the previous day’s rainout.
“We enjoy going up against them, and they relish the competition as well,” remarked Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “Playing against the Yankees is always a thrill, regardless of our respective positions in the standings. They possess a formidable team, and they will undoubtedly remain contenders. We aspire to reach the heights they attained last year.”
With a record of 5-1 against the Yankees this season, the Red Sox (37-35) have asserted their dominance. The teams still have nine more games against each other this season, albeit under the new balanced schedule, which has reduced the number of head-to-head matchups from the previous 19 games per season.
The Red Sox achieved a rare feat by sweeping the Yankees in a doubleheader, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 2006. This achievement is made even more special by the fact that it took place at Fenway Park, the first time since 1976.
“Sweeping any team is quite an accomplishment,” expressed Red Sox center fielder Jarren Duran, who made an impressive catch against the bullpen wall during the night game. “Winning three games in a row against a formidable team like the Yankees, who have been performing well, generates great momentum. I’m excited to see what we can achieve on this upcoming road trip.”
Alex Verdugo played a crucial role in the day game, driving in a run with an RBI double. In the nightcap, he capitalized on some Yankees’ mistakes, scoring a run in the fourth inning due to catcher’s interference, and then scoring again in the fifth after reaching base on a dropped pop fly.
Pitcher Brayan Bello (4-4) had an outstanding performance in the second game, striking out a career-high eight batters. He allowed only one run, four hits, and three walks in seven innings. Closer Kenley Jansen secured his 15th save by pitching a solid ninth inning.
Luis Severino (0-2) endured a challenging outing, surrendering four runs, three of which were earned, and allowing seven hits. He also issued three walks while demonstrating his ability to strike out six opposing batters.
The night game showcased some exceptional defensive plays by the Red Sox, including Jarren Duran’s remarkable catch against the bullpen wall in the center field triangle and Pablo Reyes making two impressive plays at shortstop. However, the game also witnessed some unusual occurrences such as catcher’s interference, batter’s interference, one pickoff for each team, and a caught stealing.
In the day game, Gleyber Torres of the Yankees launched a two-run homer in the first inning. The Yankees were missing their star player and reigning AL MVP, Aaron Judge, for the 11th consecutive game due to a sprained right toe. Their record stands at 8-13 when Judge has been on the injured list this season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the prevailing narrative surrounding Judge’s absence, stating, “We’re going to get beat over the head with that. The reality is: The team we’re fielding is capable of producing offensively. … Right now, that’s just an excuse.”
During the day game, Connor Wong delivered a double off the Green Monster against Michael King (1-3), granting the Red Sox a 3-2 lead. In the very next at-bat, Alex Verdugo followed up with an RBI double. Nick Pivetta (4-4), who had been relegated to the bullpen in mid-May, contributed three flawless innings of relief with four strikeouts, securing the victory.
POSITIVE SIGNS
Before the game, Aaron Judge interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking pictures on the field near the Yankees’ dugout approximately two and a half hours prior to the start. When asked about his plans afterward, he mentioned heading for some “rehab treatments.” Manager Boone noted that Judge “looks better” and “seems to be walking better.”
On Friday, Judge received a second platelet-rich plasma injection for his sprained right toe. Boone acknowledged that Judge had been in considerable pain, stating, “I know he was pretty beat up (Friday). He was in a lot of pain.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Yankees: Manager Boone provided an update on outfielder Harrison Bader, stating that he should be ready to return and come off the injured list on Tuesday. Bader had been sidelined with a strained right hamstring.
Red Sox: Manager Cora stated that they were still assessing the extent of right-hander Tanner Houck’s facial fracture, which he sustained when struck under the right eye by a line drive from the Yankees’ Kyle Higashioka on Friday. The need for surgery has yet to be determined.
UP NEXT:
Yankees: The team will enjoy a day off on Monday before commencing a three-game series in Seattle. Gerrit Cole (7-1) is slated to take the mound in the series opener against George Kirby (6-5).
Red Sox: Boston will kick off a four-game series in Minnesota, with James Paxton (2-1) scheduled to start against Pablo Lopes (3-3).
