Gerrit Cole’s unusual decision to intentionally walk Rafael Devers with the bases empty on Saturday raised eyebrows, especially for Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora. To Cora, this move indicated that when Cole hit Devers in the first inning, it was no accident. Cora didn’t hide his frustration, openly criticizing Cole and the Yankees following Boston’s 7-1 victory in the Bronx.
Cole, however, denied any intent behind the pitch that hit Devers, insisting it was unintentional. “I didn’t throw at Devers in the first inning,” Cole said, as seen on NESN. “He can believe what he wants, but I didn’t hit him on purpose.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended Cole, explaining that the pitcher struggled after the intentional walk, which led to a rough outing where he gave up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings. Boone backed Cole’s innocence, noting that Devers was positioned close to the line and Cole simply missed his spot on a cutter, with no intent to hit him.
Devers has had significant success against Cole, now 14-for-40 (.350) with eight home runs, the most Cole has allowed to any single batter. With tensions high and Cora’s remarks, along with Brayan Bello’s postgame comments, there’s speculation that emotions could flare when the Red Sox and Yankees conclude their four-game series.
Despite the tension, Boone hopes to avoid any further drama. “I hope not,” Boone said regarding possible retaliation. “We’re focused on getting outs and making a playoff push, just like they are. We’re not playing that kind of game.”
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