When Red Sox right-hand thrower Walker Buehler and head coach Alex Cora were ejected from Fenway Park on Tuesday night, how to use the bullpen to hold up the remaining 20 outs became the biggest suspense.
The answer was nearly perfect: Brennan Bernardino, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Wilson, Greg Weissert, Justin Slaten and Aroldis Chapman combined for just four hits in 6.2 innings. 3 escorts, 3 strikeouts. Combined with a well-timed home run from Carlos Narváez and Rafael Devers in five innings, the Red Sox beat Metz 2-0 for a sweep on Wednesday that was started by ace Garrett Crochet.
"Tonight belongs to the cowshed," said Biller, reproaching himself, "I put them in a difficult situation, which should not be the case with my qualifications." "
This comeback battle is full of gunpowder. Buehler, who had just been activated from the 15-day injury list, clashed with referee Mike Estabrook over a controversial good ball decision in three innings. When Francis Lindor stole second base, Bueler's 1-0 shot at Juan Soto was ruled bad, prompting him to roar: "This ball is *** in the center!" "
"Go back to the Pitcher's Hill! Esta Brooke retorted, and Bueller continued to argue that led to the eviction. Cora then rushed into the stadium and made physical contact with the referee team, only to be stopped by the referee on duty, Laz Diaz.
"Cora was ejected for insulting the chief judge with indecent words," Diaz explained to reporters on the sidelines. Cora recalls waiting for a video replay suggestion: "I looked up and saw that Buehler had been kicked out, and I had to plead, 'Give me a chance, expel me but keep the pitcher,' but the referee couldn't take it anymore. "
Diaz emphasized the rule: "Pitchers complaining on the mound are tolerated, but arguing about the ball belt off the mound will be ejected." "
Buehler was conflicted about the team: "I believe there was a mistake in the decision, but it's disappointing to let the situation get out of hand. He returned from being sidelined on April 26 due to bursitis in his right shoulder, with 52 goals, 2 guarantees and 4 strikeouts in 2.1 games.
Cora "celebrated" his return with his 18th career eviction — he missed Monday's game for his daughter's college graduation ceremony and was jokingly called "retired from coaching" after bench coach Ramón Vázquez won on his behalf. Vázquez, who was forced to reappear on Tuesday, witnessed Cora angrily smash the phone and parts fall off.
"I didn't win yesterday, so I'll do it again today," Cora laughed at herself. With the Red Sox back to 50% (25-25), Beehler expects this to be a turning point: "This tight win might ignite us. "