The Post-Game Tranquility
In the hushed visitors’ clubhouse of Yankee Stadium, Garrett Crochet’s demeanor stood out starkly in the afterglow of his phenomenal playoff performance. After delivering a breathtaking 117-pitch gem that helped the Red Sox secure a critical 3-1 victory in Game 1 of the wild-card round, the Boston ace seemed remarkably at ease. He lounged on a sofa, his bald head and substantial frame a striking presence in the room. With a plastic water bottle in one hand and his phone in the other, Crochet was engrossed in a game of “Clash Royale,” the bright colors and rapid swipes offering a stark contrast to the tension that had just been played out on the field. For about 10 minutes, he sat there alone, victorious, and completely unbothered, as if he had just completed a moderately difficult workout rather than a masterful pitching performance that had left the Yankees reeling.
A Journey of Determination
Garrett Crochet’s rise to stardom is nothing short of remarkable. This is his first full season as a starting pitcher, and in just 18 months, he has transformed from a surprise Opening Day starter for the worst team in MLB history to the unimpeachable ace of a World Series contender. The 26-year-old southpaw’s journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering self-confidence. Crochet’s teammates often refer to him as “The Beast,” a moniker that underscores his dominance on the mound. “He is a guy that wants it bad, to be honest with you,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “He was in a situation last year that he was learning how to become a starter. He got traded to become the ace. He got paid like an ace, and since day one, he has acted like that.” Crochet’s meteoric ascent has been fueled by his determination to prove himself and his belief in his own abilities.
Facing the Bronx Bombers
In his first career playoff start, Crochet faced the daunting challenge of pitching against the Yankees in the Bronx. He delivered an outing for the ages, surrendering just four hits and striking out 11 hitters over 7 2/3 innings. The only blot on his performance came in the second inning when Anthony Volpe, the much-maligned Yankees shortstop, hit an opposite-field solo homer. “Just determined to keep the lead where it was, at one,” Crochet said afterward. “Just wanted to do everything I could to give my team a fighting chance to get back into it.” Following the home run, Crochet found his groove and retired the final 17 hitters he faced, maintaining the one-run deficit. His performance was a testament to his mental fortitude and his ability to silence one of the most potent lineups in baseball.
The Yankees’ Struggles
On the other side of the mound, Yankees starter Max Fried made his first postseason start for the New York team, and he was equally impressive. The gangly left-hander kept the Red Sox hitters guessing all night, exiting to a standing ovation with one out in the seventh. However, the change in pitchers provided the Red Sox with an opportunity to pounce. Luke Weaver, the reliever who took over for Fried, walked Cedanne Rafaela on a well-fought 11-pitch at-bat. Nick Sogard followed with a single, and Aaron Judge, playing through a flexor strain, threw a weak ball to second. Sogard’s double set the stage for Masataka Yoshida, who promptly drove in two runs with a go-ahead single. The Yankees, who had been leading all night, found themselves playing from behind and never managed to regain the advantage.
The Impact of the Performance
In an era where starting pitchers are often pulled earlier than ever before, Crochet’s performance was historic. His 117 pitches were the most by a starter in a postseason game since Stephen Strasburg threw 117 in Game 2 of the 2019 NLCS. It also marked the most pitches by a pitcher in his playoff debut since Jacob deGrom’s first October start in 2016. The last time a Red Sox starter threw more than 117 pitches in a playoff game was Pedro Martinez in the 2003 ALCS Game 7, a moment etched in the annals of baseball history. While Tuesday’s game didn’t carry the same level of importance, the advantage Crochet secured for the Red Sox could prove crucial in the wild-card series. The Yankees, now facing a must-win situation, are on the brink of a premature exit from the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
Despite the magnitude of his performance, Crochet remained grounded and focused. He expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by his manager and team, promising not to let them down. “I wanted to honor that decision,” he said. “I felt like he’s put a lot of faith in me this year, and I haven’t let him down yet. So I was going to be damn sure this wasn’t the first time.” While he won’t pitch again in this series, his impact will undoubtedly loom large as the Red Sox prepare for the next game. Should the team advance to the ALDS, Crochet’s next start is likely to be in Game 2 in Toronto. For now, he’ll take a moment to bask in his achievement and perhaps pass the time with a few more rounds of “Clash Royale,” embodying the perfect blend of confidence and humility that has made him such a formidable presence on the mound.
