The Boston Red Sox are backing into Game 3 against the New York Yankees on Thursday night following a tough Game 2 loss. The Sox had the Yanks on the ropes, but let them off the hook late in Game 2. While the game was hardly a bad one for Boston, it was a missed opportunity nonetheless.
That’s in the past. The onus is now on winning Game 3 in New York and setting up a date with another division rival, the Toronto Blue Jays, in the ALDS.
So, here’s a look at the keys for the Red Sox as they head into Game 3 against the Yankees on Thursday night.
Red Sox Keys to Victory over Yankees in Game 3
Getting to Yankees Bullpen Early
The Red Sox-Yankees series has featured solid starting pitching thus far. None of the four starters in the series has been hit hard. The victories have ultimately come down to each team’s bullpen.
That’s why the Red Sox must get to Yankee starter Cam Schlittler early. The Sox cannot afford to let the Yankees‘ bullpen take over with a lead late in the game. As Boston fans saw in Game 2, the Yankees‘ bullpen can be lights out.
So, getting the lead early and potentially knocking Schlittler out of the game quickly. An early lead could go a long way toward helping Boston starter Connelly Early settle down and work through a tough Yankee lineup with much more confidence.
Defense Is Crucial
The Red Sox defense will play a key role in keeping the Yankees in check. The Red Sox have not committed any errors in the series yet. That’s a great, but misplays that don’t show up like errors on the scoresheet have been costly.
In particular, plays like Jarren Duran’s misplay on Aaron Judge’s line drive in the fifth inning of Game 2 gifted the Yankees a run. While not necessarily an error, Duran, by his own admission, misread the ball that led to a run scoring with two outs. Those are the sorts of plays the Red Sox will need to avoid moving forward.
Playing solid defense in front of their rookie starter will be crucial in building his confidence against a potent Yankees lineup. Given how close Game 3 could be, the Red Sox cannot afford to let miscues give the Yankees opportunities to score.
Bullpen Must Come through for Red Sox
In Game 1, the Red Sox’s bullpen got a bit of a break. Garrett Crochet pitched into the eighth inning, with Aroldis Chapman getting the last four outs.
But in Game 2, it was a different story. Boston’s bullpen worked overtime, with Garrett Whitlock being the unfortunate pitcher tagged with the loss. Starter Bryan Bello got yanked after 28 pitches, leaving the bullpen to mop up the rest of the game.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora cannot afford to overwork his bullpen in Game 3. While there’s a “no tomorrow” mentality heading into the game, the Sox must avoid needlessly dragging pitchers into the game.
Ultimately, the bullpen will likely need to come up big in order to keep the Red Sox’s hopes of advancing to the ALDS alive.
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