Postseason baseball has arrived, and with it comes another chapter in one of the sport’s greatest rivalries: the New York Yankees versus the Boston Red Sox. The two clubs have faced each other 24 times in the postseason since 1900, with the series deadlocked at 12 wins apiece.
This year’s wild-card round offers the Yankees a chance to break the tie. The best-of-three series will be played at Yankee Stadium and is expected to feature marquee matchups, headlined by New York slugger Aaron Judge and Boston ace Garrett Crochet.
When asked about the challenge of facing Crochet in Game 1, Judge had nothing but praise for the Red Sox left-hander while showing eagerness to start another postseason run. “He’s a tough matchup, if not one of the best — the best pitcher in the game right now. Probably on his way to a Cy Young,” Judge told the New York Post. “It’s impressive what he’s done so far this year, and I’m looking forward to facing him.”
Judge’s assessment isn’t without merit. In 15 career at-bats against Crochet, the likely MVP finalist has managed just three hits, though two of them were solo home runs.
The Yankees may take some comfort in knowing Crochet won’t be available for every game of the series. Still, if the Red Sox ace controls Game 1, New York could face the daunting task of needing two straight wins to advance.
With Judge and Crochet setting the stage, another intense chapter of Yankees–Red Sox playoff history is about to unfold.