The New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox rivalry may have lost its old charm, but for the players, the passion of putting the best foot forward is the only thing that is and will remain constant. This week, both teams were scheduled to compete in a four-game series for the final time this season. However, bad weather played spoilsport.
After sweeping Tuesday’s doubleheader, the Yankees faced the Red Sox in yet another doubleheader on Thursday. The hosts aced the afternoon game at Fenway Park as pitcher Tanner Houck made sure the visitors leave without any runs on board. Having said that, the Yanks, playing for their pride, came out all guns blazing for the series finale.
Aaron Judge Slams A Grand Slam To Seal Yankees Series Win Vs. Red Sox
The four-game series stood at 2-1 after the Boston Red Sox secured the opening game of Thursday’s doubleheader. Regardless, with a lead in place, the New York Yankees eyed redemption. In the second inning itself, the captain, Aaron Judge, swayed the crowd with his magic. With bases loaded, Judge slammed a 418-foot homer run right over center field to bring up his 32nd long hit of the season and sixth career grand slam. The Yanks lead shot up to 5-2 at the end of the top of the second. Further, Oswald Peraza added insurance runs in the ninth inning by securing a two-run homer to seal the final game by 8-5. The Bombers had secured the series, and the captain could not be happier.
Grand Slam for The Captain 🫡#AllRise pic.twitter.com/9SOYVWoTH6
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 14, 2023
Aaron Judge felt relieved after ending the run drought with a grand slam. “I had a couple of opportunities the past couple of days to get some runs in and hadn’t come through,” said Judge. Having said that, the captain was happy to be able to contribute finally. Despite witnessing a lost season, the slugger says wearing the pinstripes and facing the Red Sox in Fenway Park is a different feeling altogether. As the playoff metrics are already out of the picture, Judge adds the team is taking one day at a time and trying to stack up as many wins as possible. “We can’t really look at anything else besides who we’re playing the next game. Take care of business, and then move on to the next one,” added the Yankees captain.
Zach McAllister: A Yankee Who Made His Debut After 17 Years Of Wait
After placing reliever Jonathan Loaisiga on IL with a season-ending elbow injury, the New York Yankees called up pitcher Zach McAllister from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The veteran was selected in a minor league contract back in August. However, interestingly, the pitcher was initially drafted by the Yanks in 2006 out of college.
However, Zach failed to utilize his opportunities and was dealt in 2010. Having said that, after 17 years, McAllister’s life came full circle. The pitcher made his debut in pinstripes on Tuesday against the Red Sox. He came in to relieve Carlos Rodon and pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Prior to big leagues promotion, Zach pitched 16.2 innings in 11 Triple-A games to record a 1.62 ERA and 20 strikeouts.