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The Boston Red Sox could have jeopardized their chances of advancing to the AL Division Series in Game 2 on Wednesday.
The Boston Red Sox let the New York Yankees off the hook on Wednesday night. The Sox failed to close out the series, dropping Game 2 of their Wild Card Series 4-3.
The game was hardly a bad one for either side. It was just like Game 1, a match that could have gone either way. But this time, it was the Yankees who came through in the eighth inning, getting the crucial winning run. Austin Wells played the role of the hero, driving in Jazz Chisholm Jr. with the go-ahead run.
The Yanks’ bullpen shut down the Red Sox in the ninth, sending the series to a winner-take-all Game 3.
The Sox now face a game they would have wanted to avoid. They’ll face the pressure of a Yankees team that has regained momentum in a packed home field. While the Sox have historically marched into the Bronx and come out winners, there’s no guarantee that could be the case on Thursday night.
Yes, Game 3 should prove to be another fantastic game. After all, the first two have not disappointed. But letting the Yankees off the hook was the worst thing that could have happened to the Red Sox in this series.
The psychological pressure they now face could end up being their downfall. Red Sox fans hope the team can regroup and contain the Yankees’ offense long enough to pull out the series win.
Red Sox Blew their Best Chance in 7th
The Red Sox had their best chance of the night in the seventh inning. The Red Sox loaded the bases in the 7th, with Trevor Story at the plate. Story had already driven in all three Boston runs and was poised to drive in a couple more.
But Fernando Cruz got Story to make a long, loud out. Story launched a fly ball to the warning track, where Trent Grisham made an easy running catch.
A pumped-up Cruz lept off the mound, following his harrowing escape. All told, the Red Sox failed to capitalize on their best chance to win the series and eventually gave up the winning run in the 8th.
Boston Could Pin Series Hopes on Rookie
The Red Sox could pin their series hopes on rookie Connelly Early. According to MLB.com, Early is the probable starter for Game 3. Early, with all of four MLB appearances, has pitched relatively well.
In his four appearances this season, Early posted a 2.33 ERA and notched 29 strikeouts over 19.1 innings. The southpaw has never faced the Yankees. That situation could give the Sox a leg up, particularly in the first few innings.
If Early can continue his solid pitching, he could give the Red Sox just enough time to get the offense going. Likewise, the Yankees could be turning to Cam Schlittler, another rookie with limited experience.
Schlittler has put up solid numbers, as well, potentially giving Boston a tough pitcher to face. The Sox will need to get to Schlittler as early as possible and make the Yankees bullpen work overtime.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan
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