Red Sox clinch Game 1 as Aroldis Chapman escapes Yankees' bases‑loaded jam

When Aroldis Chapman stepped onto the mound for the Boston Red Sox at American League Wild Card SeriesYankee Stadium, the atmosphere was electric and a little bitter. The former Yankees left‑hander was set to face the team that drafted him in 2010, and the stakes could not have been higher: a win would put Boston up 1‑0 in a best‑of‑three series and force New York into a must‑win situation.

Background to the Wild Card showdown

Both clubs entered the postseason riding very different narratives. The New York Yankees had eked out a wild‑card spot with a 91‑71 record, but their bullpen was a revolving door all season. By contrast, the Red Sox leaned on a balanced rotation and a deeper roster, tools that manager Alex Cora believed could neutralize the Yankees’ power surge.

One lingering question for fans was whether Chapman, who signed with Boston in the off‑season, could still dominate left‑handed hitters the way he did in his early New York years. The answer would come in the ninth inning, when the game turned into a true bases‑loaded jam.

Game 1: High‑stakes ninth inning

The Red Sox held a 3‑1 lead entering the final frame, but the Yankees promptly loaded the bases with no outs. Aaron Judge ripped a double down the left‑field line, putting runners at the corners. Jazz Chisholm followed with a single, and the situation seemed ripe for a comeback.

Chapman, who tossed 24 pitches in total that night, managed to keep his cool. On the fourth pitch to Chisholm, he induced a weak fly to right field that Wilyer Abreu swooped down and secured the first out. The Yankees chose not to pinch‑run for the slow‑moving first baseman, a decision by manager Aaron Boone that kept the score at 3‑1.

Next up was Trent Grisham. Chapman unleashed a 101.2 mph fastball up in the zone; Grisham chased it, tipped it, and the ball dropped into the glove of catcher Carlos Narváez for the final strikeout. The ninth‑inning drama lasted just 24 pitches, but it felt like an eternity.

After the game, Chapman, speaking through a translator, admitted the pressure: “When you come in to the ninth inning and get three straight hits, the heart starts racing. You have to calm down, take a deep breath, and focus on each pitch.”

Reactions from the dugout

Alex Cora praised his closer’s poise. “Aroldis showed why he’s one of the best in the business,” Cora said, “He trusted his stuff and didn’t try to overthink it.” On the Yankees’ side, Aaron Boone lamented the missed opportunity. “We had the bases loaded and no outs. It’s a nightmare when you can’t convert a chance like that,” Boone noted, hinting that the bullpen’s woes may now extend into the playoffs.

Even veteran Aaron Judge, who had contributed to the bases‑loaded threat, stayed measured. “It’s a team sport. We win as a group or we lose as a group. Tonight didn’t go our way, but we’ll regroup,” Judge said.

What the win means for Boston and New York

Holding a 1‑0 series lead gives the Red Sox a statistical edge. Historically, teams that win the first game of a best‑of‑three wild‑card series advance about 70 % of the time. The psychological boost of surviving a high‑leverage ninth, especially against a former club, cannot be understated.

For the Yankees, the loss compounds a season‑long narrative: an unreliable bullpen costing them games. Their closer, Clarke Schmidt, saw limited usage, while the middle relievers struggled with command. If the trend continues, New York may have to lean heavily on its starting rotation in Game 2, a scenario that could backfire against a Boston lineup that has hit .312 in the series so far.

Looking ahead: Series preview

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, at Fenway Park. The Red Sox will likely open with right‑hander Nick Pivetta, while the Yankees are expected to start right‑hander Gerrit Cole. If Chapman can replicate his composure, Boston could close out the series at home. On the flip side, a Yankees win would force a decisive Game 3 back at Yankee Stadium, where the pressure would mount on both clubs’ bullpens.

• Final score: Red Sox 3, Yankees 1
• Chapman’s ninth‑inning line: 24 pitches, 1/1 K, 1 hit
• Key moment: 101.2 mph strikeout of Trent Grisham
• Series lead: Red Sox 1‑0 in a best‑of‑three
• Next game: October 3, Fenway Park

Key takeaways

The night boiled down to two simple truths: pressure reveals character, and a dominant closer can still change a game’s destiny. Chapman’s ability to settle his nerves, despite the thunderous crowd and the weight of facing his old teammates, gave Boston a priceless advantage.

Meanwhile, the Yankees’ decision not to pinch‑run at third, coupled with their lingering bullpen inconsistencies, left fans wondering if the team can adjust quickly enough. The series is far from over, but one thing’s clear – the Red Sox have taken the first bite of a thrilling, high‑stakes wild‑card battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chapman’s performance affect the Red Sox’s chances in the series?

Chapman’s clutch ninth‑inning escape restores confidence in Boston’s bullpen and gives the team a 1‑0 lead. Historically, teams that win the first game of a best‑of‑three advance about 70 % of the time, so his success tilts the odds in the Red Sox’s favor.

What were the key weaknesses that the Yankees displayed?

New York’s bullpen couldn’t convert a bases‑loaded, no‑out situation, underscoring poor late‑inning depth. Additionally, manager Aaron Boone’s choice to forgo a pinch‑runner at third limited scoring potential.

When and where is Game 2 of the series?

Game 2 is set for October 3, 2024, at Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox will likely start Nick Pivetta, while the Yankees are expected to counter with Gerrit Cole.

Which players could be pivotal in the upcoming game?

For Boston, outfielder Alex Verdugo and first‑baseman Bobby Dalbec have been hot, while New York will look to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to generate early runs.

What does this series mean for the broader playoff picture?

A Red Sox win propels them into the Division Series, where they could face the AL East champion. A Yankees comeback would keep the rivalry alive and set up a high‑drama Game 3 that could reshape the American League postseason bracket.