Red Sox manager Chad Tracy pulled Payton Tolle in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s Game 1 against the Yankees, and he had a pretty simple reason for it. Tolle had worked the count up to 83 pitches — a higher total than usual — and the Yankees kept putting runners on base. Tracy told reporters that Rice’s home run off Erik Miller wasn’t the only factor in the decision; it was also about the situation.
Tolle’s Night
Tolle, 23, was dominant early. He and Yankees starter Cam Schlittler combined to allow just one run through the first four innings. Then the fifth inning changed everything. Tolle got the first two outs on just eight pitches, but Tracy came out to pull him after 83 pitches, which is a higher total than what Tolle typically reaches.
Tracy praised Tolle’s effort. “He competed extremely well for the time he was out there,” Tracy said. “He gave us what he could. The number being up in the mid-80s, still trying to get through five, probably higher than what you normally see from Payton, and to be expected in an environment like this, but I thought he competed his butt off.”
Why Tracy Pulled Him
Tracy listed several reasons beyond the pitch count:
- The Red Sox were trailing.
- Tolle was facing the third time through the Yankees’ order.
- Ben Rice had already hit a double off Tolle earlier in the game.
- Tracy wanted Erik Miller to face Rice with a clean path, and Miller got Rice to strike out swinging in the third.
The move didn’t work. Rice smashed a 97 mph sinker over the heart of the plate, sending it 423 feet to straightaway center field for his first home run of the night. That put the Yankees up 2-0.
Tolle’s Take
Tolle said he understands the decision. “As a competitor, as a starting pitcher in this league, you want to go as long as you can every time,” he said. “But with what our bullpen has done all year, I believe they are going to make the right decision. I want to go as long as I can, but I understand those guys picked me up a lot this year.”
The Relief Collapse
Boston’s bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Five relievers allowed eight runs, including a grand slam to Rice in the eighth. The Red Sox lost.
Spencer Jones summed up the effect of the Rice homer. “That was electric. That insurance run, that was huge for us. A little bit of breathing room,” he said. “He smoked that ball. We were super fired up about it.”
Game 2
The Red Sox face elimination in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Former Yankee Sonny Gray will take the mound for Boston, looking to force a deciding Game 3.
Tracy framed the stakes simply. “That’s why Tolle was out there; that’s why Schlittler was out there. Trying really hard to get Game 1 and now you have to win two in a row,” he said. “You have to be aggressive and try to win as many moments as we can. Because now we have to win two in a row to keep our season alive.”
| Inning | Result | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | One run each | Both starters dominated |
| 5 | Tolle pulled | 83 pitches, 2 outs on 8 pitches |
| 5 | Rice homers off Miller | 423 feet, 97 mph |
| 8 | Grand slam to Rice | Eight runs added |
What We Make Of It
Tracy’s explanation is straightforward. Tolle worked harder than normal, the count climbed, and the Yankees kept putting runners on base. Tracy wanted a fresh arm in a tough spot. The home run happened immediately after the move, but Tracy said it wasn’t the only reason he pulled Tolle.
Tolle’s response shows he respects the decision. He wants to stay in games, but he trusts the bullpen that has supported him all year.
The bullpen collapse was the bigger problem. Eight runs gave the Yankees a comfortable margin.
Wednesday’s game is now a must-win.
Source material: “Red Sox manager Chad Tracy explains why he pulled Payton Tolle in Game 1 loss to Yankees,” Yahoo Sports.
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