"And, with fortune seemingly on Cora's side, Boston's manager seemingly dictated Game 2 as if it was indeed a winner-take-all matchup against New York. Much as he did during Friday's playoff clincher against Detroit - or in numerous instances during Boston's 2018 title run - Cora pushed multiple buttons and rolled the dice in an effort to put his team in the best possible spot to deliver a knockout blow."
"Cora exhausted his bullpen in an effort to snuff out a potent Yankees lineup for good in 2025. It was a gamble that would pay dividends if rest - and a trip to Toronto - was secured on Wednesday night. Instead, the Red Sox will play on Thursday. Boston's 4-3 setback against New York in Game 2 means that the intertwined rivals will both play with their seasons on the line in a decisive Game 3 in The Bronx."
The Red Sox entered Game 2 with historical advantage after winning Game 1, and Boston manager Alex Cora deployed aggressive tactics to try to close out the Yankees. Cora pushed multiple buttons, rolling the dice and exhausting his bullpen while calling on six relievers. The manager left Garrett Whitlock out for a season-high 48 pitches in the eighth inning in an attempt to preserve a trip to Toronto and extra rest. Boston fell 4-3, forcing a decisive Game 3 in The Bronx. Starter Brayan Bello, who owned a 1.44 ERA at Yankee Stadium, saw his first playoff start end after 11 at-bats when Cora pulled him.
Read at Boston.com
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