Red Sox Gear Up for Game 3

The Red Sox have made their way into Game 2, and perhaps that’s why they stepped outside for a breather.

Cora heavily relied on the bullpen during Wednesday’s game, pulling starter Breyan Bello after just seven outs, resulting in a 4-3 loss after surrendering two runs.

“Alex Cora managed this game like there was no tomorrow,” remarked Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay on the Yes Network post-game show. “But unfortunately, tomorrow is here. Now, all the bullpen arms he used need to be ready for another game.”

Kay also noted that while he used Max Fly efficiently over six innings, Yankees manager Aaron Boone might have overthought his approach in Game 1, especially while navigating alongside Boston’s Ace, Garrett Cloche.

The Red Sox are set to start rookie left-hander Connelly on Thursday night.

Both pitchers bring a certain level of uncertainty to Game 3, creating an intriguing atmosphere.

With Cora starting a rookie for his fifth major league game, while also asking his bullpen to churn out 17 outs on Wednesday, it certainly raises questions about the potential toll on the team for the home game.

Cora stood by his decision to pull Bello during the post-game press conference.

“At that moment, it just felt necessary. I wish I could see my pitchers go deeper into the game, you know?” Cora expressed. “But sometimes, you have to make a tough choice.”

After removing Bello, Cora turned to Justin Wilson (1 2/3 innings), Justin Slatin (2/3 innings), Stephen Mads (1 inning), Zach Kelly (1/3 innings), and Garrett Whitlock (1 2/3 innings) for relief.

Whitlock, who allowed the game-winning run via an RBI single from Austin Wells, threw 47 pitches, making his availability for Thursday questionable.

“We were doing everything possible to win that game, but things didn’t work out,” Cora commented when asked about the extended use of Whitlock. “We were aiming for the ninth to tie the game, but it just didn’t happen.”