The New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox rivalry took a bizarre turn last weekend as sparks flew throughout the four-game series. Aaron Judge had a positive series as he hit two home runs after a span of 16-games, which is career longest drought. However, Judge was also caught in strange misfire.
During the third game, which the New York Yankees lost 7-1, ace Gerrit Cole made a couple of strategic mistakes that allowed Red Sox to overpower them. To add to the burning fire, Red Sox unlawfully targeted Aaron Judge and manager Alex Cora is now under scanner for admitting to the unlawful activity.
Alex Cora Likely To Face Sanctions Over Aaron Judge Intentional Hit Admission
In game 3 of the four-game series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, tensions flared when Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello tried to hit Aaron Judge with a pitch but missed badly as the ball landed away from his legs. However, Red Sox manager Alex Cora later admitted that they intentionally tried to hit him to take out frustration stemmed from Gerrit Cole hitting and then intentionally walking Rafael Devers in the first innings. “Around the sixth inning, we had our chance. It didn’t happen,” Cora said. While Judge downplayed the incident, citing a baseball incident, his team and fans were furious with manager Aaron Boone, slamming Red Sox for unlawful actions. The matter appeared to have died down until Monday.
New York Post’s Mark W. Sanchez reported that MLB is mulling an investigation into Alex Cora’s post-game comments where he insinuated hitting Aaron Judge purposely. While the details of the alleged matter are unknown, MLB’s investigation is expected to look into whether Cora’s statements reflect an actual strategy used by the team or if they were made in jest. The league has a history of taking player safety seriously, and intentional attempts to harm players are met with strict penalties, which can include fines or suspensions for managers, pitchers, or other team personnel involved. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, on his part, has handled the situation with professionalism. When asked about the incident, he brushed it off, choosing not to fuel the controversy. But if the Red Sox ends up facing repercussions, it will further intensify the historic rivalry with the Yankees.
Alex Cora Accuse Gerrit Cole Of Intentionally Hitting Rafael Devers
Interestingly, Boston Red Sox’s frustration initially fueled in the first innings when Gerrit Cole and Rafael Devers had a dramatic face-off. Devers was hit by a pitch in the first before animatedly walking him intentionally in the fourth inning. However, the move backfired when the Red Sox foiled the pitcher’s game plan by hitting 7 runs.
Having said that, despite the 7-1 win, Red Sox manager Alex Cora not only accused Gerrit Cole of intentionally hitting Rafael Devers but also admitted seeking revenge on Aaron Judge in the sixth inning. The entire controversial interview has put Cora in deep trouble as his team, the Red Sox, heads towards elimination from the AL-East division.
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