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Red Sox Stun Yankees in Playoff Opener with Clutch Hitting and Dominant Pitching
1 Oct
Summary
- Rookie lefty Garrett Crochet delivers 11-strikeout performance to lead Red Sox
- Masataka Yoshida's go-ahead 2-RBI single sparks Red Sox comeback
- Aroldis Chapman escapes bases-loaded jam to secure 4-out save for Red Sox

In a tightly contested American League Wild Card Series opener, the Boston Red Sox emerged victorious over their rivals, the New York Yankees, with a 3-1 win on October 2, 2025.
The game was a showcase of the Red Sox's resilience and clutch performances. Rookie left-hander Garrett Crochet delivered a dominant outing, striking out 11 batters over 7 1/3 innings and retiring 17 straight at one point. Despite the Yankees taking an early 1-0 lead, the Red Sox offense remained unfazed, chipping away at the Yankees' bullpen.
The turning point came in the eighth inning when utility player Nick Sogard's smart baserunning and a pinch-hit, two-run single by Masataka Yoshida gave the Red Sox a 2-1 lead. Closer Aroldis Chapman then navigated a tense ninth inning, escaping a bases-loaded jam to secure the save and the victory for the Red Sox.
The win extends the Red Sox's impressive streak, as all 12 teams that have won the first game of the Wild Card Series since its current format was introduced in 2022 have gone on to win the series.