Tensions rise after unusual decision by Yankees star Gerrit Cole

A vehement disagreement erupted after the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, as Boston manager Alex Cora expressed his dissatisfaction with Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole. Cora was particularly outraged by Cole's decision to hit Rafael Devers in the first inning and to intentionally walk him in the fourth inning. "He doesn't want to face him, that's the bottom line," commented a visibly upset Cora. In German: "Er will ihm nicht begegnen, das ist der springende Punkt." The events of the fourth inning eventually led to a turning point in the game, as the Red Sox turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead, which they then used to secure a commanding 7-1 victory. Cole, who intentionally walked Devers with an angry look, could not turn the tide and was removed from the game after 4 1/3 innings. This incident is particularly notable, as Cole stated during Hispanic Heritage Day at Yankee Stadium last week that Devers was the toughest Latin American batter he had ever faced. It is no secret that Devers boasts impressive statistics against Cole, including a batting average of .350 and eight home runs. Devers expressed his feeling of surprise and pride equally: "I never expect that from him," he said, well aware that Cole is a Hall of Famer and therefore a true baseball legend. Additionally, a curious situation arose when Devers stole a base right after the intentional walk, further escalating the game for Cole. Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted that they might have reconsidered the situation. Post-game discussions revealed that Cole and Boone had indeed planned to strategically avoid Devers. Ultimately, the course of the game showed that this strategy backfired. The consequences of this game on the Red Sox's playoff hopes remain uncertain. However, the intensity and controversy surrounding Cole's behavior and Devers' reaction could influence the rest of the season. Boston remains four games away from the third Wild Card spot, with only thirteen games remaining.