Red Sox Defeat Yankees 7-4 in Nightcap

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox played their final regular season game in fine Sox/Yanks tradition going 14 innings and over 5 hours to settle the nightcap. But in the end, it was Jacoby Ellsbury, the Red Sox doubleheader star who hit the go-ahead 3-run shot into the Yankees bullpen to win it 7-4.

So who has Joe Girardi selected as his ALDS starters?

Ivan Nova started the nightcap for the Yankees. He looked very strong through six innings. However, in the seventh inning, Nova began to lose his command and left a couple hitters on base. Nova went 6 1/3 innings pitched giving up eight hits, four runs, no walks, and striking out three. Because of his strong effort, especially in the second half of this season, Nova will be the Yankees' number two starter in the playoffs. Freddy Garcia's strong start on Friday night helped him secure the third and final ALDS starting spot. Phil Hughes will be moved to the bullpen for postseason beginning late next week.

This is the best utilization of the pitchers Joe Girardi has at his disposal. Phil Hughes has proved he can be a force out of the bullpen, and you will be able to have AJ Burnett as an emergency starter. Hughes will solidify the late innings of the playoff games and help hand the ball to Rafael Soriano, David Robertson, and Mariano Rivera.

This Red Sox victory keeps their American League Wild Card lead at one game. The Yankees start their final regular season series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday while the Red Sox begin their final series against the Baltimore Orioles.