Yankees V. Red Sox: 1st Game of post Season Begins

       So, we're tuned in to the first game of playoffs: the American League wild card game featuring arch rivals New York and Boston.  Gerrit Cole will start on the mound for the Yanks with 16 regular season wins.   The Sox pitcher didn't hesitate to fire up his pitches in the first inning with successive 97 mph fastballs with precise location.  Cole will work the corners and mix his pitches which include an excellent change -up.  Two fly balls, 2 out in bottom of the inning.  3rd batter Devers has hit Cole hard during past meetings. Now he throws the 99mph heater, but misses inside.  Ball 4, he walks him with nobody on and 2 outs.

      Next up:  cleanup hitter:  Xander Bogaerts, hitting .321 in regular season.   HOME RUN over center field wall with 1 on.  Fans go wild as Bogaerts continues his domination of Gerrit Cole.

Red Sox 2, Yankees 0 after 1 inning

Bottom of 6th Boston 4, New York 1

     So Alex Cora, Sox manager, opted for a pitching change after the starter gave up a 1 run homer to Yankee hitter Rizzo.  He had struck  out 8 before the home run.  So both clubs have gone to the bullpen.  A key defensive play by Boston saved a run at the plate after the catcher caught the relay and placed a tag on the sliding Yankee runner.  In the 6th, the Red Sox added another run on a hit down the right field line that scored the runner from first as the relay throw was late and off line.  Local note: bench coach for Boston is San Rafael, California native, Will Venable.  Will, son of former Giants outfielder, Max Venable, delighted local fans with his basketball skills.  He played round ball at Princeton and started on their ball team on advice of his Dad.  After graduation, he was drafted and played with the San Diego Padres where he played center field because of his strong arm and running ability.  He then started coaching at the big league level.

Top of the 8th: Boston 6, Yankees 1

In the bottom of the 7th, Yankee pitchers walked 3 to load the bases.  Alex Verdugo, a left-handed hitter, took a outside pitch to the opposite field for a 2 run double.  Now they hold a 5-run lead as the Yankees chances become slim and none.