In just the third inning of Game 2 of the AL Wild Card series between rivals in the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, Red Sox manager Alex Cora made a call that very few in the Massachusetts capital agreed with.
Despite only logging 28 pitches in 2.1 innings of work, starting pitcher Brayan Bello was pulled off the mound, after allowing two runs in the first inning against the Yankees.
The Yankees would go on to win the game late in the eighth inning, forcing the eventual Game 3 that resulted in the Red Sox losing that game as well and being eliminated from the postseason.
Cora Breaks Silence on Decision
In a postgame interview, Cora explained his decision, citing that he simply thought it was something that had to be done.
“It’s a tough lineup. Bunch of lefties," Cora said. "I thought the at bats were getting better with the lefties, and we gotta bunch of them in the bullpen, you know? And I felt like at that point, kinda like, we have to do this."
Cora would explain that he didn't necessarily want to pull Bello at that point in the game but thought it was the right time.
As for Bello, it has been said that was slightly surprised by Cora's choice but was still trying to do his job for his team.
He made that decision," Bello said. "I don’t feel disappointed about myself. I tried to do my job and he made the decision to take me out."
Unfortunately, that decision turned the tide in the favor of the Bronx Bombers, and now the Red Sox are off until late February for Spring Training.