Mancuso: Rivalry Got Better With Yanks-Red Sox

The rivalry has returned and the Yankees-Red Sox this time had an early May tune of first place and teams with the best records in baseball.  It was in the Bronx with these “Baby Bombers” and a new “Murder’s Row” with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and company.

You could not ask for anything better after Tuesday night and two more to come could top this Yankees 3-2 win. And it’s early May, so don’t believe that standings mean nothing after 35 games. These games always mean something because they involve the Yankees and Red Sox the best rivalry in baseball and perhaps in all sports.

It is always Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, a 15-round fight in the Bronx. And there is every reason to understand that these two teams will battle for the division title in September and perhaps face each other in October with more significant implications.

Yes it is early May and championships are not determined after 35 games. However the Yankees after their win are not looking like a team that will lose and destined to keep this winning streak going.

There was no Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera or David Ortiz, names that were symbolic with the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry over the years.

Instead this new core of youngsters including Giancarlo Stanton, the so called veteran, were key players as the Yankees got, their seventh straight win and 16th in their last 17 games. Stanton seems to be heating up with his third multi-HR game of the season that accounted for two of the Yankees runs.

Said Stanton about his 31st career Multi-HR game, “We’re right where we need to be.” And when you win the first of four against your rivals, you are in good position as the Yankees during this stretch have handled business with the Twins, Angels, Astros and now the Red Sox. Oh, these are those elite teams in the American League.

“We’re playing good baseball and doing it in a lot of different ways,” said manager Aaron Boone. “Good to get off this series on a winning note. It’s a lot of fun playing in these games. I’m not going to lie.”

And right-hander Luis Severino continues to resemble a Cy Young Award pitcher for the Yankees. Though not getting the decision, he tossed 6.0 innings on six hits, two runs and struck out 11. The fastball and slider were effective though 109 pitches thrown was a determining factor as to exiting after six innings.

“He’s one of the best pitchers in the league,” said Alex Cora. The rookie manager of the Red Sox said Severino used the breaking ball and got creative with his pitches as the game progressed.

And these Yankees are winning, of course in the Bronx  with the home run and are finding other creative ways to do so.  Aaron Judge had a tie breaking single in the seventh inning and that was the difference as the Yankees took a share of first place with Boston.

“A clean ballgame from both sides,” said Mookie Betts. He went 2-for-4 for the Red Sox and tied the game at 2-2 with a triple in the seventh inning.

Boston left-hander Drew Pomeranz did not get the decision. Despite a left index finger that needed attention in the second inning, he allowed the two Stanton home runs as his only damage.The Yankees could have added more runs but Stanton and Gleyber Torres were nailed at the plate in the seventh and eighth innings.

Overall a good game and there is more to come in the Bronx. First place is on the line, but again it is this Yankees dominance and in the early month of May. A historic rivalry got that much better.

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About the Author

Rich Mancuso

Rich Mancuso is a regular contributor at NY Sports Day, covering countless New York Mets, Yankees, and MLB teams along with some of the greatest boxing matches over the years. He is an award winning sports journalist and previously worked for The Associated Press, New York Daily News, Gannett, and BoxingInsider.com, in a career that spans almost 40 years.

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