New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole typically isn't one to back down from a challenge.
However, it appeared at one point during Saturday's 7-1 loss against the Boston Red Sox that the reigning Cy Young award winner had seen enough of Rafael Devers, the hitter he's struggled against most in his career.
Despite cruising through the first three innings without allowing a hit, Cole made the surprising decision to intentionally walk Rafael Devers with one out and no one on base.
This came after Cole unintentionally hit Devers with a 0-1 cutter in the first inning, something Red Sox manager Alex Cora took exception to.
The plan to intentionally walk Devers with no one on base immediately backfired. Cole wound up surrendering five hits and seven runs (all earned) before exiting the fourth inning.
"We had discussed the days prior to and during the game strategically walking him because of the past success that he’s had,” Cole said. "Clearly that was a mistake. I think I bought into the plan going into it, but afterwards it was the wrong move.”
The history between Cole and Devers is well-documented. The switch-hitting third baseman has owned Cole throughout their time playing against each other to the tune of a .340 average and eight home runs against the Yankees ace.
Even Devers himself was a bit surprised by Cole's decision.
"I never expect that from him,” Devers said after the game. “He’s a Hall of Famer and we know the type of pitcher he is. At the same time, it gave us the opportunity for us to score some runs and that’s what we did.”
The Red Sox certainly took advantage of the opportunity and now will look to tie the four-game series on Sunday afternoon as Carlos Rodon faces Kutter Crawford in what could be the final game between these two rivals.
