The Red Sox experienced another crushing loss Tuesday when awful reliever Jeurys Familia surrendered three runs to the Yankees in the top of the 10th inning.
But hey: at least they still have Gerrit Cole’s number.
Red Sox should be ashamed if they let Bogaerts leave
Once again, the Yankees’ $324 million ace struggled against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, giving up three home runs in six pedestrian innings of work — his 10 strikeouts aside. Tristan Casas took him deep for his first career home run at Fenway, followed by catcher Reese McGuire and Xander Bogaerts.
Cole has allowed five home runs in 12 innings pitched at Fenway this season.
The low point during Cole’s Yankee tenure came last October, when the Red Sox chased him from the mound after just two innings during their incredible Wild Card Game win. Cole gave up a two-run homer to Bogaerts in the first, and then was pulled after Kyle Schwarber (remember him?) took him deep in the third.
It was the epitome of coming up short. The Yankees can’t have any confidence their ace will be able to handle himself during a big game at Fenway. Entering Tuesday, Cole had a 5.45 ERA in seven career starts in Boston.
That doesn’t matter this season, given the Red Sox’ hold on last place. But Cole is signed through 2028. Unless Chaim Bloom’s frugality turns the Red Sox into perennial basement dwellers, it’s likely Cole will pitch in many meaningful games at Fenway before his gargantuan deal expires.
The Red Sox know they have his number. It’s one remaining positive from a season that’s been bereft of them.