BOSTON — That's one way for the Red Sox relievers to take control.
Red Sox pitching coach Dana LeVangie said after Game 1 of the American League Division Series that he expected a lot better from Ryan Brasier in Game 2. Tasked with the fifth inning on Saturday, Brasier recorded all three outs by strikeout — the last a huge punch out of Gary Sanchez on a 97 mph fastball, right after Brasier told Sanchez to "Get the (expletive) in the box."
“It was a heat of the moment thing,” Brasier said following a 6-2 Red Sox loss. “Adrenaline going and crowd was up. I just kind of got, was ready to go. That’s it, just one of those things. Just a big moment, and I was ready to throw the pitch.”
The Yankees catcher, who homered earlier in the game, appeared to be trying to disrupt Brasier's timing by getting out of the box.
“He stepped out of the box three times in a row and felt like it was time to do it regardless of whether he was ready or not,” Brasier said.
Brasier, a pleasant surprise in the Sox 'pen this season, blew Sanchez away with a fastball on the very next pitch, as Sanchez swung out of his shoes. But Sanchez homered twice on the day, so he ultimately had the last laugh on the Red Sox, if not Brasier himself.
Boston Red Sox
Find the latest Boston Red Sox news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Sanchez had a rough year for the Yankees, but they stuck with him because of his power. He hit .186 in the regular season with 18 home runs, and struggled mightily as a receiver as well.
“But I've got to tell you, there's nothing like this season,” Sanchez said. “It's been a struggle. The struggle has been much longer this year. You know, a little bit of a similarity there.”
There were two runners on at the time, one via an Eduardo Nunez throwing error, another a walk. The Sox were down 3-1.