The New York Yankees look to keep their season alive tonight in Game 2 of the 2025 AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.
As last night showed, playoff baseball can turn on a single decision in a high-leverage moment. Manager Aaron Boone pulled starter Max Fried after 6.1 scoreless innings and turned to Luke Weaver, who surrendered two runs that gave Boston a 2-1 lead. In a short best-of-three series, sometimes the smarter play is to ride a hot hand rather than overmanage.
The Yankees still had a chance late, loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth against Boston closer Aroldis Chapman. But Chapman shut the door with three straight outs, including two strikeouts, to seal the save.
Garrett Crochet was as good as advertised for the Red Sox, allowing just one run across 7.2 innings — a solo homer by Anthony Volpe in the second.
Today’s Matchup: Bello vs. Rodón
Two more frontline arms take the mound tonight: Brayan Bello for Boston and Carlos Rodón for New York.
Bello finished the regular season 11-9 with a 3.35 ERA but struggled in September, going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA. That includes a rough outing against the Yankees, when he gave up four runs in five innings. However, Bello dominated New York in two earlier starts this season, tossing seven scoreless innings of three-hit baseball in both. Tonight marks his first career postseason start.
Rodón, meanwhile, enjoyed his best year as a Yankee, going 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA. He closed the season strong, posting a 5-2 record and 2.53 ERA over his final seven starts. Against Boston, though, he’s been less effective — giving up 10 earned runs in 15.2 innings (5.92 ERA). His postseason history also raises questions: Rodón is 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA in four playoff starts since joining New York.
Lefty bats Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice return to the lineup to face righty Bello. Both have fared well against him this season. Chisolm is hitting .375 in eight at-bats with a home run, while Rice is hitting .333.
Red Sox-Yankees Prediction
Momentum will be key. Bello is making his postseason debut and hasn’t looked sharp in recent weeks, while the Yankees seemed to have solved him in their last meeting. Rodón has been inconsistent against Boston, but his strong September suggests he could carry over momentum.
Expect another close game, with the Yankee bullpen and Boone’s decision-making looming as the X-factors.
Final Score Prediction: Yankees 4, Red Sox 2
Starting Lineups
Boston Red Sox
1. Rob Refsnyder — DH
2. Trevor Story — SS
3. Alex Bregman — 3B
4. Romy González — 1B
5. Carlos Narváez — C
6. Nate Eaton — RF
7. Jarren Duran — LF
8. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
9. Nick Sogard — 2B
Starting Pitcher: Brayan Bello (RHP) — 11-9, 3.35 ERA (2025 Regular Season)
New York Yankees
1. Trent Grisham — CF
2. Aaron Judge — RF
3. Cody Bellinger — LF
4. Ben Rice — 1B
5. Giancarlo Stanton — DH
6. Jazz Chisholm Jr. — 2B
7. Austin Wells — C
8. Anthony Volpe — SS
9. Ryan McMahon — 3B
Starting Pitcher: Carlos Rodón (LHP) — 18-9, 3.09 ERA (2025 Regular Season)
How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees
First pitch for tonight’s game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees is set for 6:08 PM Eastern at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
The game airs live on ESPN and streams on the ESPN app and website.
If you’re a cord-cutter without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 6:08 PM Eastern
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app and website
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