In a playoff atmosphere thick with rivalry, the Boston Red Sox eked out a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the wild-card series Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Manager Alex Cora's bold lineup choices—sitting key outfielders like Masataka Yoshida and Jarren Duran—sparked immediate debate among fans and analysts alike. Indeed, the decision to bench Yoshida, who's been a steady force with a .296 average since joining the team, felt risky against lefty Max Fried. But Cora doubled down post-game, insisting the moves were about matchups, not doubt.
Jarren Duran, the speedster who's electrified Fenway all season, found himself in right field for just the second time in years, a spot he hasn't started since 2022. His at-bats were quiet, going 0-for-3 with a walk, yet the gamble nearly backfired when he stranded runners early. Meanwhile, Rob Refsnyder, fresh off the injured list after missing time with a hamstring tweak, slotted into left and delivered a crucial single in the seventh that plated the go-ahead run. Refsnyder's activation last month couldn't have timed better; he's hit .280 in 25 games since returning, providing that veteran stability Cora craves.
Nathaniel Lowe, the first baseman pulled from the paternity list just weeks ago, held down the infield without flash but with reliability—his glove work snuffed a potential rally in the eighth. Lowe's .296 clip in limited action underscores why the Red Sox scooped him up in August; he's been a quiet glue guy amid the outfield shuffle. However, Yoshida's absence loomed large. Benched for the first time in the postseason despite his leadoff experiments earlier this month, he entered as a pinch-hitter and ripped a two-run single that sealed it. Cora's explanation? Platoon advantages, though it left some scratching heads—why not start the hot bat?
The win pushes the Yankees to the brink, but Boston's outfield puzzle persists. Duran and Yoshida have plenty to prove, especially with Refsnyder's legs still regaining full strength. Moreover, as Cora tweaks for Game 2 with Brayan Bello on the mound, the pressure mounts on these pieces to click. One misstep, and the momentum could flip fast.
With the series hanging in balance, it's clear these lineup calls will define Boston's October run—or expose its flaws.