Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet once again stood out by overpowering New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge during Friday’s 2-1 Red Sox walk-off victory. Crochet struck Judge out three times within the first six innings, including a decisive 99 mph fastball that left Judge visibly off-balance, extending Judge’s early-season struggles against the Red Sox ace.

Crochet’s performance has made him a significant challenge for Judge, who began the season 0-for-7 against the left-handed pitcher. In fact, Crochet has fanned Judge in five straight at-bats across two starts, an unusual feat given Judge’s superstar status and his history of success against most pitchers.

Judge’s Late Rally Falls Short as Red Sox Secure Third Straight Win

Despite Crochet’s dominance early on, Judge managed to deliver a much-needed moment of resilience in the ninth inning by launching a game-tying home run over Boston’s Green Monster. This powerful hit reignited hope for the Yankees and highlighted Judge’s ability to respond under pressure.

However, the Red Sox responded in the 10th inning to claim their third consecutive victory over their arena rivals, continuing their momentum in this heated season rivalry.

Garrett Crochet’s Rising Star and Impact on Red Sox’s Playoff Aspirations

Crochet has rapidly emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s premier pitchers this season. With an impressive 2.24 ERA following his latest start, he is on pace for a second consecutive All-Star selection. His current statistics include a league-leading 117 strikeouts and 3.1 bWAR, underscoring his value and endurance as he leads MLB in innings pitched.

As one of only six pitchers exceeding 3.0 bWAR so far, Crochet’s success is a critical asset for the Red Sox as they aim to regain form and make a strong push for the playoffs. His continued dominance against top hitters like Aaron Judge exemplifies the level of talent the Red Sox can rely on in the coming months.