The rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox added another painful chapter for the Bronx Bombers. In Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, the Yankees became the first team in MLB postseason history to have the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and not score a run
The result was a 3-1 defeat that left the team on the verge of elimination.
A historic opportunity wasted
With the stadium lit up and the fans waiting for an epic comeback, the Yankees had everything going for them: bases loaded, no outs and the heart of the lineup at bat. However, three unproductive at-bats – including a strikeout by Giancarlo Stanton and a double play by Jazz Chisholm Jr. – sealed a defeat that will go down in history for the unusual nature of the situation.
The devastating OptaSTATS fact
According to OptaSTATS, never before in MLB postseason history had a team had the bases loaded with no outs in the ninth inning and not scored. This not only reflects the inability to execute in key moments, but also leaves a team that came into October with high expectations in a bad light.
Reactions after the collapse
Aaron Judge avoided statements after the game, while manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that “it was an opportunity that cannot be missed”. On social media, fans expressed frustration and disappointment, noting that these types of mistakes are what have made the difference in recent years.
Yankees on the ropes
The Yankees had a historic opportunity to turn the series around against the Red Sox, but they failed at the most critical moment. The statistic revealed by OptaSTATS not only leaves them in a bad statistical position, but also shows a lack of competitive character in decisive instances. If they do not react in the second game, 2025 could be another year of frustration in the Bronx.
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