BOSTON — For a second, maybe two, Game 1 of the ALCS—and perhaps the series as a whole—hung on James Hoye’s eyesight.
Halfway through Friday night’s series opener, what had looked like another dominant outing from Justin Verlander unexpectedly became a tense affair. Verlander’s control, once impeccable, suddenly disappeared into the chilly October air; the Red Sox’ lineup, held silent through four innings, began to form a conga line on the bases, drawing walk after walk after walk. A 2–0 lead slowly became 2–1 on a bases-loaded free pass, then 2–2 on a wild pitch. Now Verlander had two on, two out and a 3–2 count against Andrew Benintendi.