BOSTON — Boston’s matchups against the Yankees are always eagerly anticipated, and Friday’s game was no exception as Garrett Crochet took center stage for the Red Sox. With an impressive performance, Crochet has consistently provided the team a competitive edge whenever he’s on the mound this season. Despite a minor setback, his showing against Aaron Judge and the Yankees was nothing short of stellar.
In Friday’s nail-biting 2-1 victory over New York, Crochet was a formidable opponent for the Yankees, beginning with holding Aaron Judge, one of baseball’s most daunting sluggers, to three strikeouts. Across a career-best performance of 8 1/3 innings, Crochet kept New York scoreless while allowing only four hits and accumulating seven strikeouts. However, in the ninth inning with Boston barely ahead by a 1-0 margin, Crochet’s endurance would be tested once more against Judge. On their fourth face-off of the night, Crochet navigated to a full count but unfortunately placed a 99 mph fastball in the sweet spot for Judge, who promptly sent it 443 feet beyond Fenway Park’s iconic Green Monster, leveling the score.
Despite the discouraging end to his stint, Crochet stood by his pitching decisions. “I’m going to live and die with my best pitch, whether it concerns pitch selection or execution,” Crochet said post-game. Despite the disappointment, he expressed satisfaction with his performance overall.
Enhancing the night’s drama, Carlos Narváez, a catcher who previously played for the Yankees, flipped the script with a game-winning single in the 10th inning. This high note ensured Crochet avoided the loss, underscoring the impact of his pitching despite not sealing the win himself. Remarkably, Judge’s record against Crochet this season stands at 1 for 7, complimented by six strikeouts. “Crochet was incredible tonight,” commented Narváez. “A minor lapse maybe, but delivering a 100 mph fastball was an impressive feat. Perhaps we’re witnessing the sport’s top pitcher matched against the best hitter.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora supported his decision to retain Crochet in the game. “Though it wasn’t easy, our guy was pitching excellently,” Cora remarked. “He was efficient right to the end, and we allowed him the opportunity. Even if the outcome didn’t favor us, recognizing Judge’s talents is essential. He remains among the world’s finest for a reason, and he capitalized on one solitary pitch.”
Reflecting upon his outing, Crochet acknowledged that while the confrontation with Judge might haunt him, there was much to celebrate about his effort overall. “Returning to the mound was a special moment, greeted by standing applause,” Crochet shared. “Sensing the fans’ support echoed my intense desire to perform well. It made the outing especially meaningful, though ending on that note was less than ideal. Yet, if my night had to conclude with a home run, I’m at least content it was on a fastball.”