The greatest rivalry in baseball with a trip to the American League Division Series on the line.
It doesn't get much better than that.
On Tuesday night, the Boston Red Sox host the New York Yankees in a do-or-die showdown at Fenway Park.Ace Gerrit Cole toes the rubber in hostile territory, facing off with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.
Can New York overcome inconsistencies, putting together a comprehensive performance to punch a ticket to the next round? Or will the Red Sox take care of business at home, riding their powerful lineup to a victory?
Bronx native Andrew Velazquez gets the start at shortstop, allowing Gio Urshela to return to his primary position at third base. Urshela is still working back physically from his dive into the third-base dugout at Yankee Stadium over the weekend, a heroic catch but a scary play.
On offense, Anthony Rizzo is hitting leadoff, looking to prevent Eovaldi from getting comfortable, setting the table for the big boppers like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton behind him.
Remember how good those two sluggers were during New York's last series in Boston a few weekends ago? This team will need their best players to shine bright on the biggest stage once again.
Finally, it'll come down to the bullpen. Once Cole is done, who will manager Aaron Boone summon and can he rely on a deep 'pen to hold onto a lead (or keep the offense in the game).
All of that being said, here's some related reading to get you set for first pitch, scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET on ESPN.
More to get you ready for the American League Wild Card Game:
- Yankees-Red Sox Prediction: Can New York Advance in the AL Wild Card Game?
- Higashioka-Cole Battery Charged Up for Wild-Card
- Andrew Velazquez Starting at Shortstop For Yankees in Wild Card Game
- Breaking Down the Yankees' Wild Card Game Roster
- Yankees Catch Break As Red Sox Rule Out Slugger For Wild Card Game
- How the Yankees Will Replace DJ LeMahieu to Begin the Postseason
- What Gives Yankees Edge Over Red Sox For Wild Card Game
Check back right here as this ballgame gets underway for live score updates and some analysis. And be sure to refresh the page to view the latest version!
Live Score Updates
First inning
Yankees come out swinging in the top of the first. Giancarlo Stanton almost went deep—clanking a single off the Green Monster—but a strikeout of Joey Gallo ends the threat.
Yankees 0, Red Sox 2
In the bottom of the first, Xander Bogaerts crushed a two-run home run to center field, taking advantage of a missed spot from Gerrit Cole.
Second inning
Gio Urshela beats out an infield single for New York's first hit of the game.
In the bottom of the frame, Kevin Plawecki smacked a double off the wall in right-center field. Cole's command has been shaky so far, leaving pitches over the heart of the plate. The ace did get out of the inning, though.
Third inning
Yankees 0, Red Sox 3
Kyle Schwarber launched a no-doubter to deep right field off Cole. That's the seventh home run that Cole has allowed at Fenway Park this season...
And just like that, Aaron Boone calls to the bullpen. Cole's night is over.
Clay Holmes extinguishes the fire, getting out of the inning with a double play, but down three runs, it's up to the bullpen to keep this game in reach for the next six innings.
Fourth inning
Eovaldi has retired seven hitters in a row. New York still has one hit tonight. The offense will need to turn it on soon if they want to have a chance.
Clay Holmes gets the Red Sox to ground into another double play in the fourth. He's been tremendous tonight.
Fifth inning
Nathan Eovaldi has been everything the Yankees expected Gerrit Cole to be tonight. He's retired 10 batters in a row, starting this game with five scoreless innings.
Sixth inning
Yankees 1, Red Sox 3
Anthony Rizzo puts the Yankees on the board with solo home run around the pole down the right-field line. This game isn't over yet.A
And after an infield single from Aaron Judge, Alex Cora is pulling Eovaldi. The right-hander was so good tonight, but now one swing ties the game...
Giancarlo Stanton launched a 400-foot bomb off the top of the Green Monster, but a questionable send from third-base coach Phil Nevin had Judge out by a mile. The score remains 3-1, Red Sox.
Yankees 1, Red Sox 4
Boston gets their three-run lead back on an RBI double from Alex Verdugo. Here comes Jonathan Loáisiga to replace Luis Severino out of the 'pen.
Seventh inning
Another 1-2-3 inning for New York on offense. Boston is having their way with the Bombers tonight.
Yankees 1, Red Sox 6
In the bottom of the inning, Boston pulled away even more. Verdugo ripped another run-scoring hit, this time a two-run single into left-center field. The Red Sox are six outs away from advancing.
Ninth inning
Yankees 2, Red Sox 6
Giancarlo Stanton goes the other way for a solo shot. They're still down by four.
FINAL: Yankees 2, Red Sox 6
The Yankees' season is over. New York couldn't mount a comeback, watching helplessly as the Red Sox celebrate on the field at Fenway Park.Who knows what the future holds this offseason. There could be changes. The offseason could be a long one. But this was a roller-coaster year, a tumultuous campaign that we'll never forget.
