Gerrit Cole yanked after just six outs as Red Sox stun Yankees early in AL Wild Card game

In a one-game playoff, Yankees manager Aaron Boone couldn't afford to wait and see. 

Thus, we all witnessed something no one could've predicted: In the bottom of the third inning, with the Yankees trailing 3-0 and two men on base with no outs, Cole walked off the mound and into the dugout. His night ended after 50 pitches — only 30 were strikes. 

Not exactly what the Yankees had envisioned when they signed Cole to a nine-year, $324 million contract prior to the 2020 season.

Xander Bogaerts blasted a 427-foot, two-run homer off Cole in the first, then Kyle Schwarber launched a solo shot in the third. Cole then allowed two more to reach base before Boone yanked him. 

Justin Toscano is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.

Email: toscanoj@northjersey.com 

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