NEW YORK (AP) — Garrett Crochet retired 17 consecutive batters in a sparkling pitching performance, and pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida lined a two-run single off reliever Luke Weaver that sent the Boston Red Sox past the New York Yankees 3-1 on Tuesday night in their AL Wild Card Series opener.

New York loaded the bases with nobody out in the ninth inning, but All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman worked out of the jam against his former team. Boston is 10-4 versus its longtime rival this year and halfway to winning the best-of-three playoff.

“You could see it in his eyes before the game that he wanted it bad,” Boston's Alex Bregman said of Crochet. “Just a performance that big-time pitchers make.”

Game 2 is Wednesday night in the Bronx again, with Aaron Judge and the Yankees needing a victory

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