BOSTON — Garrett Crochet delivered a commanding performance against the New York Yankees on Friday, nearly shutting down slugger Aaron Judge in an intense 2-1 extra-inning victory for the Boston Red Sox. Crochet’s dominant pitching helped keep the Yankees scoreless over 8 1/3 innings, showcasing why he remains a key figure on the mound this season.
Crochet’s Command Limits Yankees’ Offense
Throughout the game, Crochet stifled the powerful Yankees lineup, striking out seven batters and allowing just four hits. He personally fanned Aaron Judge three times, maintaining remarkable control and efficiency during a career-long outing. However, when facing Judge for the fourth time in the ninth inning with a narrow 1-0 lead, Crochet faltered just once.
After working Judge to a full count, Crochet’s 99 mph fastball dropped into Judge’s preferred hitting zone. Judge capitalized, driving a 443-foot home run over Fenway Park’s Green Monster to tie the game and extend the duel into extra innings.
Reflections from Crochet and His Teammates
Despite the costly home run, Crochet remained steadfast in his pitching approach.
“I’m going to live and die with my best pitch,”
he said.
“Whether it be pitch selection or execution, tough way to end it. But overall, I felt really good tonight.”
Crochet’s catcher for the night, former Yankee Carlos Narváez, praised him heartily after the game, underscoring Crochet’s control and resilience. Narváez ended the contest with a walk-off single in the 10th inning, securing the Red Sox win and underscoring the team’s perseverance.
Crochet was awesome,
Narváez said.
He made a mistake a little bit. But that was a 100 mph fastball. That was impressive. … Probably the best pitcher now against the best hitter in baseball.
For the season, Aaron Judge has struggled significantly against Crochet, managing only one hit in seven at-bats and striking out six times.
Manager Alex Cora Stands Behind Crochet’s Effort
Red Sox manager Alex Cora defended his decision to keep Crochet pitching deep into the game, emphasizing Crochet’s strong performance despite the setback on Judge’s home run.
That wasn’t fun. But our guy was throwing great,
Cora said.
He was efficient toward the end. We gave him a shot. It didn’t work out. That’s why (Judge) is who he is. One of the best in world, and he got one pitch down and he hit it out of the ballpark. You tip your hat.
Crochet’s Determination and Crowd Support Fuel His Outing
Even as he acknowledged the impact of Judge’s crucial at-bat, Crochet expressed pride in his overall performance and the enthusiastic support from Fenway’s fans.
It was a special feeling jogging back out there. Standing (ovation). I could tell the fans wanted me out there,
Crochet explained.
I already wanted to be out there pretty bad. But it made it mean a little bit more. It made me grab a little bit more in that inning. I wish I could have finished it out. … If my night had to end there from a home run I’m at least glad that it was on a fastball.
Impact of Crochet’s Performance on Red Sox’s Season Outlook
Garrett Crochet’s near-flawless pitching displayed not only his ability to handle premier hitters like Aaron Judge but also his crucial role in the Red Sox’s competitive push this season. Though the ninth inning home run briefly threatened Boston, the team’s resilience ensured a win, supported by Crochet’s dominant presence on the mound.
This performance affirms Crochet’s status as one of the league’s top pitchers and positions him as a central figure to watch in upcoming games as the Red Sox look to maintain momentum against tough rivalries, especially against the Yankees at Fenway Park.