Boston Red Sox sink Yankees in dramatic fashion: 3 defining moments

J.D. Martinez comes through

After blowing a 1-0 lead and falling down 4-1, the Boston Red Sox had every reason to lay down and settle for taking 3 of 4 from the New York Yankees.  Given the fact that Aaron Boone was working with a strong bullpen, a two-out, ninth inning comeback seemed impossible.

Then again, that strong bullpen has been shaky as of late and the Red Sox found a way to take advantage.  After Aroldis Chapman walked the bases loaded, J.D. Martinez stepped to the plate with a chance to do some series damage against the struggling lefty.

Give this team a tiny bit of hope and they tend to come through.  That is exactly what Martinez did by belting a two-run single to center field to dwindle the lead to 4-3.

"“Chapman’s a guy who can throw four balls to the backstop, then dot four balls right on the corner.  He’s one of those guys,” Martinez said following the game.  “Yeah, once the bases got loaded, once he started with the walks, then you’re like, ‘There’s a chance here.’”"

It didn’t tie the game or put the team ahead, but it certainly rattled the Yankees defense.  The next batter, Xander Bogearts, tied the game on a ground ball that should’ve ended the game.  But, it didn’t, and perhaps sealed the division for the Boston Red Sox.