The Yankees clinched the playoffs with a win over the White Sox last Tuesday, Sept. 23 and they’re looking to have a better postseason than last year.
With a narrow 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox, the New York Yankees have punched their ticket to the MLB postseason for the second straight year. After a solid but inconsistent regular season, the team aims to hit their stride and finish strong, with the ultimate goal of winning a World Series title.
This is the 60th year in franchise history the Yankees have secured a playoff spot. Last season, they made it all the way to the World Series for the first time since 2009, but ultimately fell short and lost to the Dodgers in five games, which was highlighted by a heartbreaking collapse in the 5th inning.
During the offseason, they made some significant lineup changes. Star player Juan Soto was lost to free agency and signed with the New York Mets in December, but the Yankees ultimately replaced him signing established players like left fielder Cody Bellinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers, veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the St. Louis Cardinals, and right handed closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.
After an exciting 162 games, the Yankees are now facing their long-time rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in a three game wildcard series which started yesterday (Tuesday, Sept. 30.)
Despite each team’s strong lineup, neither fanbase seemed particularly worried heading into the wildcard round.
Chase Bedrossian, a junior from Rhode Island, is a devout Yankees fan and felt very confident in his team heading into game 1.
“I think the Yankees are going to win,” Chase said. “The Red Sox are looking good this year, but it doesn’t matter. I think the Yankees got it.”
Despite his confidence, most Red Sox fans feel almost identically to the Rhode Island native.
Cole Ryan, a junior from Scituate, Mass., doesn’t think the series will even be close.
“I don’t think the Yankees really have a chance,” said Cole. “I think that with the pitchers the Red Sox have, like Crochet and Chapman, I think we’re just too good. I think Judge is too small, I think Stanton’s too small, and I just think the Red Sox are just too good.”
While both fanbases are extremely confident, there are plenty of concerns going into this series. Roman Anthony, the Red Sox rookie right fielder, suffered an oblique strain and will most likely not play during the wildcard series. Anthony has had an exceptional rookie season and has been a threat to the Yankees all year.
Regardless, Red Sox fans are confident in their team without him in the lineup.
Cal Hoyt, a senior from Hatfield, Mass., believes Boston is still a better team than New York even without Anthony.
“The Red Sox still have a star studded lineup, even though we’re missing Roman,” said Cal.
Game one was close, but the Red Sox won by a score of 3-1. Game 2 will be Wednesday, Oct 1 at Yankee Stadium at 6:08pm.
