Aaron Boone once again had Amed Rosario face a left-handed pitcher in Game 3 of the wildcard series against the Red Sox on Thursday. This time, it worked out well for the Yankees, who secured a 4-0 victory at their home stadium.
Rosario contributed two crucial RBI singles, which helped the Yankees get on the board and ultimately clinch the win.
“I’m really grateful to Aaron Boone,” Rosario expressed. “He believed in me and gave me the chance to step up. I felt confident.”
Rosario, who joined the Yankees from the Nationals during the trade deadline, faced Boston’s ace Garrett Crochet, who started his first game in the series. Although he showed some defensive brilliance, Crochet struggled at times, allowing three hits before Boone replaced him with Jazz Chisholm Jr. for better defense.
After Rosario appeared in the lineup on Friday, it was interesting to note he came from Double A and was less experienced than many other players, as Boston had begun with four major league starters.
Following a solid performance where he allowed just two hits across three innings, Rosario got the Yankees’ first run in the fourth. This moment followed Cody Bellinger’s double that ignited the rally, although Bellinger’s high fly ball had quite the chase by several fielders.
Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton walked, and Ben Rice contributed by hitting a grounder past the shortstop. This led to what turned into a pivotal four-run inning for the Yankees.
Rosario reflected on that moment, saying, “It’s a great feeling. For me, the key was to find a high pitch and make my best swing.” He felt he narrowly missed a previous pitch and was ready for the next one.
“I was confident it would find a way through the infield,” Rosario added with certainty.
Before the game, Boone had voiced his confidence in putting Rosario on third base, emphasizing his strengths with the bat against lefties.
This acquisition during the trade deadline was part of a mix that the Yankees believed could offer a consistent threat against left-handed pitching and bring value defensively as well.
Rosario opened the sixth inning, replaced by Ryan McMahon at third, keeping the Yankees ahead by four runs.
As the Yankees prepare for their playoff journey against the Blue Jays in the ALDS, Rosario’s single on Thursday gained special significance, especially considering he had been hitless in his last three games leading to this pivotal moment in the wildcard series.
Boone has indicated that he plans to utilize various right-handed utility players acquired at the trade deadline during the playoffs. Although Toronto features a solid rotation of righties, Rosario seems poised to play a vital role as the postseason unfolds.
