GAME NIGHT: 2025 AL Wild Card Series, Game 2: NYY (0-1) vs. BOS (1-0); ESPN
It’s October 1, and the Yankees’ backs are already against the wall. They are facing elimination tonight as they host the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the 2025 MLB Wild Card series (6:08 PM ET, ESPN).
“We’re going to keep playing our game,” Aaron Judge proclaimed.
Image Courtesy: New York Yankees
Garrett Crochet limited the Yankees’ lineup to one run yesterday, a home run by Anthony Volpe, as he shoved 7 2/3 innings of four-hit baseball while striking out 11 batters and never allowing a walk. The Yankees’ offense is due to break out against righty Brayan Bello tonight, especially after leaving the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of last night’s ninth inning.
However, Bello has been particularly successful against the Yankees in his career, including a 1.89 ERA and a 2-1 record against them this season. In late August, the last time he was in the Bronx, he showcased what might have been the best performance of his career, throwing seven scoreless frames against. But when he faced New York three weeks ago, he allowed some early action.
The Yankees will put all their trust in their lefty Carlos Rodón tonight, who has been exceptional for them all season with a .188 batting average against, the lowest among qualified American League starting pitchers. Rodón has tightened his control this season by monitoring his emotions. If he lets uncontrollable factors, like poor officiating or taunting, affect him, then he’ll lose control on the mound. But all year, he’s cut down on home runs and walks allowed, and when he’s run into trouble, he’s been able to escape from it most of the time.
Rodón hasn’t had much playoff success in New York, but this is just his second postseason in pinstripes. Last year, he couldn’t maintain his composure as the competition got tougher in the later rounds of October, but he’s been pitching with something to prove all season after a disastrous first year as a Yankee. But tonight, there are no excuses for Rodón, as the Yankees’ lives are on the line.
Last night, the southpaw said, “There are things I can look back on, but tomorrow is tomorrow. It’ll be different, but it should be fun.”
Against Boston this season, Rodón has posted a 1-2 record and a 5.74 ERA. Those aren’t the best stats, but he did beat the Red Sox the last time they visited the Stadium, allowing two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Players and coaches alike within the Yankees organization would probably agree that winning that game propelled the Yankees toward a great September, as they also snapped a record-setting losing streak to the Red Sox that night.
Remember, in the current best-of-three Wild Card format, no team has ever won a series after losing the first game. Also, if the Yankees lose tonight, it will be their fourth straight postseason series loss to the Red Sox since the infamous 2004 comeback (I prefer to call it a choke job). Also, since the Yankees last won the World Series in 2009, Boston has won two championships.
While history pulses through the blood of these two franchises, their players have changed over the years. What was once Mike Mussina and Pedro Martinez is now Max Fried and Garrett Crochet. What used to be Derek Jeter vs. David Ortiz is Aaron Judge vs. Alex Bregman.
The point is, the history books write themselves, and both teams have a chance to write a new chapter tonight. But for the Yankees, will it be a miserable end to a season filled with hope, or a win to force a third game?
Starting Pitching:
Starting Lineups:
Bench: C Connor Wong, INF David Hamilton, INF Nathaniel Lowe, OF Wilyer Abreu, OF Masataka Yoshida
Bullpen: LHP Aroldis Chapman, LHP Kyle Harrison, LHP Steven Matz, LHP Payton Tolle, LHP Justin Wilson, RHP Zack Kelly, RHP Justin Slaten, RHP Greg Weissert, RHP Garrett Whitlock
Bench: C JC Escarra, INF Paul Goldschmidt, INF Amed Rosario, OF Jasson Domínguez, UT José Caballero
Bullpen: LHP Tim Hill, RHP David Bednar, RHP Paul Blackburn, RHP Fernando Cruz, RHP Camilo Doval, RHP Mark Leiter Jr., RHP Will Warren, RHP Luke Weaver, RHP Devin Williams
Game Odds (10/1, ESPN Bet):
*DISCLAIMER: Do not rely on these odds when placing a bet on this game. Numbers are subject to change. Must be 21+ and physically present in New York, New Jersey, or Missouri to participate. Gambling problem in New York: Call +1-800-8-HOPENY. Gambling problem in New Jersey or Missouri: Call +1-800-GAMBLER.
Umpires:
HP: Scott Barry
1B: Mark Ripperger
2B: Dan Iassogna
3B: Gabe Morales
LF: John Libka
RF: Junior Valentine
AccuWeather Gametime Weather: 66º, Partly Sunny, Wind N 16 mph
Venue: Yankee Stadium, 1 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Schedule
6:08 PM (5:08 PM CDT): 2025 AL Wild Card Series, Game 2 – NYY (0-1) vs. BOS (1-0); SP: RHP Brayan Bello (11-9, 3.35 ERA, 124 K) vs. LHP Carlos Rodón (18-9, 3.09 ERA, 203 K).
