Michael Wacha was dealing once again for the Boston Red Sox and making easy work of the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night at Fenway Park.
But after Wacha recorded two outs in the sixth inning, with Shohei Ohtani next in the batting order, Red Sox manager Alex Cora turned to Jake Diekman -- despite Wacha having thrown just 60 pitches.
It worked in Boston's favor, as Ohtani lined out to Alex Verdugo to end the inning.
Cora later explained the focus is on getting "27 outs and winning the game." The Red Sox won 4-0, and Wacha seemed to be just fine with the quick hook.
"As analytics get more prominent in the game, the numbers trend toward (hitters) having better success the third time through the lineup," Wacha told reporters after the game, per team-provided audio. "I feel like more managers have been going that way, but really, I trust Cora with all that stuff and his plan for the season.
" ... It's not about outlasting the other starter anymore. I try and go as long as I can and compete as long as I can. You can't get mad about it."
Wacha trusted that Cora made the right call and was able to enjoy the performance of Boston's bullpen. Diekman, Ryan Brasier and Hirokazu Sawamura combined to allow no hits and record three strikeouts as the Red Sox got back on track.
"I trust Cora with everything," Wacha said. "Our bullpen was lights out. It was really fun to watch them lock it down."
Wacha now has a 1.38 ERA and is 3-0 on the season as he continues to provide a boost to the Red Sox's starting rotation.
Garrett Whitlock will get the ball Wednesday as the Sox look to make it two straight against the Angels. First pitch from Fenway Park is set for 7:10 p.m. ET, with pregame coverage beginning on NESN+ at 6 p.m.
