By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Did the Yankees just put a dagger in the Red Sox’ season? Boston is reeling after a 6-4 loss that gave New York a sweep of a Saturday double-header, and sent the Sox to a 5 1/2-game deficit in the race for the second AL Wild Card spot.
The nightcap of Saturday’s two-game set started well enough for the Red Sox, as Rafael Devers launched his 22nd home run of the season off Nestor Cortez Jr. in the third inning, a 433-foot bomb. But the Yankees one-upped them in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run by Gleyber Torres and a two-run double by Cameron Maybin.
Mookie Betts officially made the game a back-and-forth affair when he smacked a line drive to left field that scored Sam Travis and Christian Vazquez. Torres’ second homer of the game in the fifth inning knotted things back up 4-4, and the Yankees won the battle of the bullpens from there.
It was a night to forget for the losing pitcher, Matt Barnes, who allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while getting just two batters out. The big hit for the Yanks came off the bat of left fielder and seven-hitter Mike Tauchman, who squeaked a two-run single through to left field.
Now 59-54 on the season, the Red Sox have to make up 5 1/2 games against the Rays in the Wild Card with 49 games to go. It’s not impossible, but if the Sox want to get to October they’ll have to start showing something they haven’t shown all season: consistency.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.