NEW YORK — After securing a series victory over the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon, the Yankees had the last word in the weekend’s heated exchange with their division rivals.
Manager Aaron Boone and star outfielder Aaron Judge responded to accusations from Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who suggested that Boston intentionally targeted Judge during Saturday’s game.
“That’s not allowed,” Boone stated firmly. “We’re done with them for now. We’re moving on to Seattle. Clearly, that kind of behavior isn’t acceptable.
On Saturday, Red Sox starter Brayan Bello threw a pitch behind Judge in the sixth inning of Boston’s 7-1 win. This came after Yankees ace Gerrit Cole had intentionally walked Boston’s Rafael Devers with no one on base. Cora interpreted this decision—stemming from a communication mix-up on the Yankees’ part—as a deliberate act of retaliation for Devers being hit earlier. Both Cole and Boone insisted that Devers’ hit was accidental.
Boone suggested that Cora might have used the situation with Cole intentionally walking Devers to “rally his troops” and boost the Red Sox’s slim playoff chances. Judge viewed Bello’s pitch as part of baseball’s long-standing tradition of self-policing.
“In this game, things like that happen,” Judge explained. “They were upset because three of their guys got hit that day. It’s just how the game is managed, and it’s been that way for over 100 years. The key is to make sure you don’t miss when you do it.”
Judge later crushed his MLB-leading 53rd home run during Sunday’s 5-2 win, a majestic 445-foot shot to center field. He took his time rounding the bases, holding his bat before a subtle toss onto the grass in foul territory.
Asked if he was angered by the incident on Saturday, Judge dismissed it, framing his actions as part of celebrating a crucial game.
“I thought I do that every time,” Judge said with a smile. “It’s the Red Sox, a big rival. It was a big game and a big moment. Just having some fun out there.