Why Aaron Boone Nearly Pulled Gerrit Cole Before Rafael Devers Blast

The New York Yankees ran away with a 14-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, though the home team did not have a favorable beginning at Yankee Stadium.

Rafael Devers added to an ongoing storyline when he launched his eighth career home run off of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, capped off with an extra bit of emotion.

Cole came out of the game just after the shot following 4 1/3 innings and four earned runs. New York manager Aaron Boone apparently felt ready to end Cole’s afternoon just before the solo homer.

“It was really hot,” Boone told reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “… I maybe considered getting him there at Devers just because it was such a hot, grueling day. He was kind of wearing down.”

Instead, Devers has now taken Cole deep in more than 20% of their meetings.

“He can hit any pitch out,” Cole added, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage.

The home run did not matter much after Mass. native Ben Rice took over for a three home run afternoon.

Now, the Red Sox and Yankees, just as they did at Fenway Park in June, head to Sunday Night Baseball with a series victory on the line.