New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole showed Boston Red Sox slugger—and infamous foil—Rafael Devers the ultimate respect during Saturday's game at Yankee Stadium.
The first time Devers, who has historically enjoyed immense success against Cole in his career, stepped up to the plate, he was hit by Cole. With one out and nobody on in the top of the third inning, Devers stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat, and Cole had zero interest in pitching to him.
In the ultimate sign of respect, Cole signaled for an intentional walk of Devers, who seemed just as surprised as everyone else watching.
Gerrit Cole shows Rafael Devers the ultimate sign of respect and intentionally walks him with the bases empty 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XQzIc2DrrO
— MLB (@MLB) September 14, 2024
Gerrit Cole Intentionally Walking Devers...
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 14, 2024
And Devers' reaction. pic.twitter.com/0FZG164uzn
Devers ended up stealing second base and scoring on a double as Boston produced three runs in the inning.
As it turns out, Cole was probably correct to walk Devers in the situation. Up a third time with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Devers laced a two-run single into right field, continuing his success against Cole.
Raffy doin' work! 💪 pic.twitter.com/uuY1KCOIK3
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 14, 2024
In his career against Cole, Devers owns a 1.370 OPS with eight home runs, a double and 20 RBI. And Cole is certainly aware of the Red Sox third baseman's success against him.
On Hispanic Heritage Day on Tuesday, Cole was asked which Latin hitter has given him the most trouble in his career.
On Hispanic Heritage Day, Gerrit Cole was asked which Latin hitter has given him the most trouble in his career:
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 10, 2024
"Rafael Devers" 😂 pic.twitter.com/RAXLVIRaJj
Cole exited the game after 4 1/3 innings pitched, surrendering seven earned runs to Boston.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Gerrit Cole Intentionally Walks Rafael Devers With Bases Empty in Yankees-Red Sox.
