The New York Yankees lost a deserving Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers owing to pitching miscues in extra innings. The game was tied 2-2, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for the walk-off run. Out of nowhere, Yankee skipper Aaron Boone pulled a strange card.
He snubbed Tim Hill to bring up Nestor Cortes in an unfamiliar closer role that too after the left hander had missed four weeks due to elbow injury. The decision naturally backfired as the Yankees dropped the game 6-3 and the passionate Yankee fan base is enraged more than ever.
Aaron Boone Faces Heat After Yankees Game 1 Loss
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is facing the wrath of fans and critics alike after a night of controversial decisions in Game 1 of the World Series, which the Yanks lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Boone’s choices, particularly bringing in Nestor Cortes, who hadn’t pitched since mid-September due to an elbow injury, over the reliable Tim Hill in the 10th inning, led to Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam, putting the Dodgers up 1-0 in the series. For Boone, the moment was one that left fans questioning his strategy. Many were already frustrated when Boone pulled ace Gerrit Cole after just 88 pitches in a tight, low-scoring game. Cole had been dominant, allowing only one run on four hits.
The decision to pull Cole so early surprised even legend Derek Jeter, who voiced his concerns on Fox’s postgame show. Jeter pointed out that in past World Series runs, top pitchers like Cole were often left in to finish innings and protect slim leads. Adding to fan frustration was Boone’s justification for calling on Cortes, who was still working his way back from injury. “He looked good in simulated games,” Boone said. But that reasoning did little to calm irate Yankees fans who saw a seasoned bullpen waiting while Boone gambled on Cortes in his first appearance back. Naturally, Yankee fans expressed their anger online. That being said, with Game 2 approaching, Boone’s seat is hotter than ever. Fans have made it clear that their patience is wearing thin, and another questionable call could bring calls for a managerial change. Hence, Boone, needing a win, must hope his players bounce back.
Carlos Rodon Unfazed By Dodgers Threat Ahead Of Game 2
LA Dodgers, stacked with offensive firepower like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, represent a more formidable opponent for New York Yankees. Ahead of Game 2, Carlos Rodon, the Yanks starter for Game 2, recognizes the challenge but is embracing it with confidence.
“We’re all pretty good, you know? I know they have good hitters, but we’re here for a reason. I’m a big leaguer, too,” Rodon said. Besides, having faced the Dodgers during his time with the Giants, Rodon understands the stakes and knows how unforgiving the Dodgers’ lineup can be. Hence, he is ready to rumble in Game 2.
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