"We both came to an understanding" - Austin Wells reveals he and Gerrit Cole 'both agreed' going after Rafael Devers was the right call post inning
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells revealed that he and Gerrit Cole are both in agreement that the decision to intentionally walk Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers wasn't a correct one. Devers has an excellent record against Cole, yet Wells believes the Yankees ace should have pitched to Devers.
The Yankees hosted the Red Sox for the third meeting of their three-game series on Saturday afternoon. The home team was leading by a run in the top of the fourth inning when Gerrit Cole intentionally walked Devers with the bases empty and one out. However, the free pass proved extremely costly, as the visitors scored three runs in the inning en route a 7-1 win over their arch-rivals.
Austin Wells offered his perspective on the decision from Cole to intentionally walk Devers with the bases empty.
"We both came to an agreement that, with where we were at with attacking their lineup and doing really, really well first time through (he order)," Austin Wells said.
"I think we both agreed that going after (Devers) was probably a better idea," Wells added.
Gerrit Cole hadn't allowed a hit to the Red Sox up to that point, but Rafael Devers was hit by a pitch from the Yankees hurler in the first inning.
"I don't think his stuff was different": Austin Wells on Gerrit Cole
Although Gerrit Cole issued the free pass to Rafael Devers, Austin Wells feels it didn't affect the confidence of the Yankees pitcher, even though he went on to concede three runs in the same inning.
Wells preferred to give credit to their opponents for taking full advantage of the momentum they gained from the intentional walk.
"I don't think his stuff was different (after the intentional walk). Maybe it gave (the Red Sox) a little momentum. So, I don't think anything with his stuff was different, but the momentum swung a little bit there," Austin Wells said.
"I don't think it affected Gerrit. It just gave them a guy on base after getting carved the first time through the order. That team is a quick-hitter. They are built on momentum. They will put up a few runs very fast. We feel like that's been the case with them for a while," he added.
Despite the victory, the Red Sox are down 2-1 to the home team as they look to split the four-game series at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.