BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox leaned heavily on pitcher Garrett Crochet, who showcased his skills in a nail-biting 2-1 extra-inning victory over the New York Yankees on Friday night. Known for his dominant performances this season, Crochet delivered a near-flawless outing, striking out star player Aaron Judge three times and limiting the Yankees to just four hits over a career-high eight innings.
Crochet started the ninth with Boston holding a slim 1-0 lead, but faced Judge for the fourth time. After reaching a full count, Crochet delivered a fastball that slipped into Judge’s preferred hitting zone. The Yankee slugger seized the opportunity, launching a impressive 443-foot homer that soared over Fenway Park’s famous Green Monster, resulting in the game-tying run.
Reflecting on the game, Crochet stated, “I’m going to live and die with my best pitch. Whether it be pitch selection or execution, tough way to end it. But overall, I felt really good tonight.” Judge, recognizing Crochet’s talent, added, “He’s an incredible pitcher. That’s why they traded for him. He works both sides of the plate and has overpowering stuff.”
While Crochet’s effort was monumental, it was his battery mate, catcher Carlos Narvaez, who ultimately became the hero of the night. In the 10th inning, Narvaez recorded a walk-off single, marking his first career game-winning hit. This moment also made him the first rookie to achieve a walk-off in the historic rivalry since Josh Reddick back in 2011.
Despite not receiving the victory, Narvaez praised Crochet’s performance, asserting, “Crochet was awesome. He made a mistake a little bit, but that was a 100 mph fastball. That was impressive.” The numbers back up Narvaez’s statement, as Judge has struggled against Crochet this season, going just 1-for-7 with six strikeouts.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed no regrets about letting Crochet face Judge in the ninth. “That wasn’t fun. But our guy was throwing great,” he remarked. “He was efficient toward the end. We gave him a shot. It didn’t work out. That’s why Judge is who he is — one of the best in the world.”
Though the outcome stung, Crochet took pride in his performance. “It was a special feeling jogging back out there,” he said, acknowledging the fans’ support. “I could tell the fans wanted me out there, and it made it mean a little bit more.”
As Boston continues its season, Crochet’s performance serves as a reminder of his potential, while the team remains hopeful for future matchups against formidable opponents like the Yankees.
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