Gerrit Cole's Intentional Walk to Devers Backfires, Boosting Red Sox in AL Wild-Card Race

Despite struggling early on, the Red Sox turned the tables on Gerrit Cole after he issued an unexpected intentional walk to Rafael Devers, leading to a crushing victory that reignited their postseason hopes.

In an unexpected turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole's decision to intentionally walk Boston Red Sox All-Star Rafael Devers has backfired spectacularly. The move, which occurred in the fourth inning of a crucial series matchup on Saturday afternoon, fueled a Red Sox rally that ended with Cole being knocked out of the game and his team suffering a demoralizing 7-1 defeat.

Cole, who entered the game with a reputation as a formidable opponent against Devers, had joked in the past that the Red Sox slugger was his "kryptonite." However, the Red Sox were stunned when Cole signaled for an intentional walk with Devers stepping into the batter's box with one out and no one on base.

Gerrit Cole's Intentional Walk to Devers Backfires, Boosting Red Sox in AL Wild-Card Race

The intentional walk proved to be a costly mistake as the Red Sox seized the momentum and erupted for a barrage of runs that stunned the Yankees. Masataka Yoshida's RBI ground-rule double broke the ice, followed by Wilyer Abreu's two-run single. In the top of the fifth inning, the Red Sox added four more runs, with Devers himself driving in two runs with a rope to right-center field.

Cole's unraveling was evident as he hit a career-high three batters and surrendered the most runs in an outing since June 9, 2022. The frustration was palpable for the Yankees, who watched their ace struggle to find his control and confidence.

Gerrit Cole's Intentional Walk to Devers Backfires, Boosting Red Sox in AL Wild-Card Race

The Red Sox, who desperately needed a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive, were elated by the unexpected turn of events. Manager Alex Cora expressed his belief that Cole's intentional walk was an indication that he feared facing Devers.

"He doesn't want to face him. That's the bottom line," Cora said bluntly. "He told us with the intentional walk that the first at-bat he hit him."

Gerrit Cole's Intentional Walk to Devers Backfires, Boosting Red Sox in AL Wild-Card Race

Devers himself acknowledged his surprise at the intentional walk, indicating that he "didn't expect that from a future Hall of Famer."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended Cole's decision, claiming that they had discussed the possibility of intentional walks before the game. However, the move clearly backfired, leading to a loss that has major implications for both teams.

For the Yankees, the defeat has dealt a blow to their aspirations of winning the AL East title. The loss allowed the Baltimore Orioles, their primary rivals in the division, to maintain their lead.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox have reignited their hopes of securing one of the three American League wild-card slots. The win moved them within 3.5 games of the final wild-card spot, currently held by the Minnesota Twins.

The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are also within striking distance of Boston in the standings, setting up a thrilling race to the finish line.

Cole's unexpected intentional walk has become a pivotal moment in the AL East and wild-card races. While the Yankees attempt to regroup and regain their momentum, the Red Sox have found a new spark and are determined to make a late push for the postseason.