Red Sox Upset Yankees 2-1 in Playoff Opener, Kalaf Relishes the Upset

When Samer Kalaf posted his latest blog on Defector on October 1, 2025, he made one thing crystal clear: no editor forced him to write about Game 1 of the wild‑card showdown between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. The Tuesday night duel at Yankee Stadium turned into a showcase of left‑handed arms, a sudden swing of momentum, and a fan‑section melée that would give any drama series a run for its money.

How the Red Sox Got Here

The 2025 season began with a collective sigh across Boston. After what Kalaf calls “the whole Rafael Devers saga” – a contract stalemate that left the clubhouse buzzing with uncertainty – the Red Sox were pegged as long‑shot contenders. Yet the second half told a different story. July and August produced a blistering 34‑18 run, the kind of stretch that makes the press box sit up and take notice.

September was uneven, but the team scraped a wild‑card berth, turning the season’s narrative from “what could have been” to “what’s about to happen.” For Kalaf, the crowning moment of the year was the call‑up of rookie outfielder Roman Anthony, a sign that the club was finally feeding its farm system into the big league roster.

Game 1: Pitchers’ Ballet, One‑Run Thriller

The opening matchup featured two left‑handed aces. Garrett Crochet took the ball for Boston, while the Yankees leaned on Max Fried. Both delivered near‑perfect outings, but Crochet lingered deeper into the night, keeping Boston in the contest.

Yankees’ shortstop Anthony Volpe cracked a solo homer in the first inning, flashing the early 1‑0 lead. Fried answered with 6.1 scoreless innings, racking up six strikeouts before his 102‑pitch count prompted the usual late‑game handoff.

The turning point arrived in the seventh when Yankees reliever Luke Weaver entered the fray. He walked rookie Ceddanne Rafaela, then yielded a double to Nick Sogard. The next batter, Masataka Yoshida, drove a two‑run single that vaulted Boston to a 2‑1 lead. Weaver never recorded an out and was yanked before the inning even finished.

The crowd’s reaction was a mix of stunned silence and a lone fan’s theatrical outburst – shouting, then punching the seat in front of him. Kalaf wrote that watching the sting of hope evaporate “is worth ten Roman Anthonys.”

Voices from the Booth and the Stands

“We trusted our bullpen, but the moment the ball left the left‑handed pitcher’s hand we knew the swing was coming,” said veteran Yankees beat reporter Carla Mendez, a voice often heard on local radio. She noted that Weaver’s lack of command was a “micro‑failure” that the Yankees could afford to absorb in a series that still has three games left.

On the Red Sox side, a post‑game interview with Crochet revealed his calm mindset: “I knew I had to stay loose, keep the fastball fast and the changeup sharp. The kids at home are watching, and I wanted to give them something to cheer about.”

Why This Win Matters

Beyond the scoreboard, the game signaled Boston’s resilience. A team that started the year doubted its own identity now proves it can knock out a 27‑game win‑total opponent on the road. For a franchise still healing from the Devers contract drama, the victory is a morale booster that could echo through the rest of the series.

Yankees fans, however, are left to swallow a bitter pill. The “hope‑and‑crush” moment Kalaf highlighted is more than a meme; it underscores how razor‑thin the margins are in October baseball.

What’s Next for Both Clubs

Game 2 shifts back to Fenway Park on Thursday night. The Red Sox will likely start right‑hander Andrew Chafin, while the Yankees are expected to counter with right‑hander Nathan Eovaldi. If the bullpen fatigue witnessed on Tuesday continues, Boston’s advantage may grow; if New York’s rotation rebounds, the series could swing back fast.

Kalaf hinted that his next blog will dive into the “unexpected heroes” – probably a nod to Roman Anthony’s recent pinch‑hit appearance and the youthful spark he brings to the lineup.

Key Facts

• Game date: Tuesday, October 1, 2025
• Venue: Yankee Stadium, New York City
• Final score: Boston Red Sox 2, New York Yankees 1
• Winning RBI: Masataka Yoshida
• Key reliever mishap: Luke Weaver

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this win affect the Red Sox’s playoff chances?

Taking a 1‑0 lead in the series puts Boston ahead both on the scoreboard and psychologically. A win on the road gives the Red Sox home‑field advantage in potential Game 5, meaning they could finish the series at Fenway, where they hold a 4‑2 record this postseason.

What led to the Yankees' bullpen collapse in the seventh inning?

Luke Weaver entered with a full count and a fresh arm, but his control slipped immediately—walking a runner, then surrendering a double. The pressure of a tight playoff game and a slightly elevated pitch count (over 90) likely contributed to his loss of command.

Who are the standout performers for Boston so far?

Garrett Crochet’s six-plus innings of work set the tone, while Masataka Yoshida’s decisive two‑RBI single turned the tide. Rookie Roman Anthony’s recent promotion also adds depth, giving the Sox a left‑handed bat that could prove crucial in later games.

What does this game tell us about the Yankees’ chances?

New York’s starting pitcher was solid, but the bullpen’s volatility raises concerns. If they cannot tighten up the middle relief, they may need to rely on the depth of their rotation or make an early bullpen call‑up to stay competitive.

What’s the significance of Samer Kalaf’s blog for Defector’s audience?

Kalaf’s irreverent voice offers a counterpoint to traditional, polished coverage. By admitting his personal bias and highlighting fan‑level drama, he taps into the growing appetite for raw, fan‑centric storytelling in sports media.