Sonny Gray wanted the opportunity to face Cody Bellinger in the fifth inning Wednesday. Boston instead went to its bullpen, and the Red Sox’s season ended with a 9–2 loss to the Yankees in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series.
Gray left after 4⅔ innings and 70 pitches. He was charged with two runs in an outing that ended before Boston’s veteran starter believed his work should be finished.
Bellinger delivered an RBI single against reliever Mason Miller after the change, part of a Yankees offense that eventually pulled away. Gray expressed disappointment afterward, according to The Associated Press’ game report.
The decision makes the exit a distinct part of Boston’s elimination story. A manager can act before a starter reaches a high pitch count because of the next matchup; a starter can still believe he is best equipped to finish that assignment.
Wednesday’s result left Boston with no next game in which to reset. New York completed the two-game sweep, while Gray’s removal became one of the immediate questions surrounding the Red Sox’s finish.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with Associated Press Game 2 report.
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