Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The New York Yankees secured a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, tying the American League Wild Card Series at one game each. The decisive Game Three will take place tonight, with the winner advancing to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the next round of the playoffs.
In a thrilling game, Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored the winning run for the Yankees in the eighth inning, racing home from first base on an RBI single by Austin Wells. Chisholm, who was left out of the starting lineup in Game One, also made crucial defensive plays that helped the Yankees stay in the series. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the efforts of his team, saying, "What a game. I mean, it has been two great games, these first two."
The Yankees took an early lead with a two-run homer from Ben Rice and an RBI single by Aaron Judge. Despite a strong performance from Red Sox ace Garrett Whitlock, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning, the Yankees managed to break the tie in the eighth. Whitlock's pitch count reached a season-high 47, likely sidelining him for Game Three.
The Red Sox had opportunities to take the lead, notably in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases, but they were unable to capitalize. Trevor Story's home run and two-run single kept the Red Sox in the game, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
Tonight's Game Three will see Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler, who grew up in Boston, face off against Red Sox rookie Connelly Early. Both teams will be looking to advance in what has been a closely contested series. As Red Sox manager Alex Cora noted, "Should be a fun night."
Photo Credit: Getty Images