Yankees, Alex Cora
SOURCE: AP Photo/Paul Sancya

The New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox rivalry, which has perpetuated for decades, had toned down in past few years which forced many to predict the end of it in next few years. However, the four-game series that unfolded last weekend reignited the rivalry as tensions flared unexpectedly.

It all started with Gerrit Cole’s bizarre intentional walk that allowed Boston Red Sox to crawl back into the series. On the same day, the two teams plunked each other multiple times, which scaled the tensions further. Hence, despite the series loss, Boston manager Alex Cora will use the spark to make a far-fetched playoff push.

   

Alex Cora Hopes The Yankees Series Spark Results Into A Playoff Dream

Yankees, Gerrit Cole
X.com

Alex Cora, the manager of the Boston Red Sox, is using their recent win against the New York Yankees as a potential turning point in their push for a postseason spot. The recently concluded four-game series saw multiple heated moments between the two teams. Gerrit Cole hit Rafael Devers by a pitch in the first inning of game 3 which Cora believes was intentionally. Later, in the fourth inning, Cole animatedly walked Devers with no one out which followed a 7 runs implosion as Yanks lost 7-1. Hence, in the aftermath of an eventual series, Alex Cora believes his team can use the spark ignited by the Yanks to make a playoff push.

Boston Red Sox only stands an outside chance at making it to the playoff wild card spot in AL-East division. With 75-75 record, Red Sox are placed third, 12 games below second placed Baltimore Orioles. However, Alex Cora feels the team can still make it and if they do, the Red Sox will thank Gerrit Cole for being a catalyst in the dramatic turnaround. “We’re probably going to thank Gerrit Cole for getting us going. Hopefully we can face him in the playoffs because he will have to pitch to him,” Cora said. Needless to say, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry has always been intense, and Saturday’s game added another chapter to the storied history between the two teams. Cora’s comments reflect the significance of momentum in baseball. Moreover, for the Red Sox, that moment might have come against their fiercest rivals, thanks to Cole’s decision.

Aaron Boone Hits Out At Alex Cora’s Post-Game Comments

Yankees
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora landed on the wrong side of New York Yankees fans when he admitted of having intentionally hit Aaron Judge by pitch. However, the Red Sox pitcher missed the aim and Judge avoided a serious injury concern. Meanwhile, Yankee manager Aaron Boone reacted to Cora’s comments and deemed the Red Sox antics unacceptable.

“That’s not allowed. That’s for somebody else to deal with,” Aaron Boone said. On the other hand, Aaron Judge had a much calmer response. He said the rivalry is a part of baseball and he has no bad blood towards the Red Sox. The HBP incidents were spread across the series by both teams and whatever happened was in the heat of the moment.

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