The Boston Red Sox were four outs away from evening a pivotal series with the New York Yankees. Moments later they found themselves on the verge of losing their grip on the top Wild Card spot.
Tanner Houck retired the first two batters he faced in the eighth inning but was given the hook after walking a pair in a one-run game. Manager Alex Cora signaled for lefty Darwinzon Hernandez out of the bullpen to face the left-handed Anthony Rizzo. The result wasn’t what the manager had hoped for, although we can’t exactly say it wasn’t somewhat predictable.