Yankees React To Alex Cora’s Claim Pitcher Purposely Hit Rafael Devers

Gerrit Cole's puzzling intentional walk to Rafael Devers with the bases empty on Saturday, which grabbed plenty of attention, was telling to Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

It signaled to Cora that when Cole plunked Devers in the top of the first inning that it was a purposeful act by the Yankees right-hander. That drew the ire of Cora, who didn't hold back when calling out the Yankees and Cole following Boston's 7-1 win in the Bronx.

Cole had a chance to respond to Cora's comments and professed his innocence in the situation.

"I didn't throw at Devers in the first inning," Cole told reporters, as seen on NESN's postgame coverage. "He can believe what he wants to believe, but I didn't hit him on purpose."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone came to the defense of Cole, who had a rough day against the Red Sox as he unraveled following the free pass to Devers. Cole allowed seven runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings after not giving up a hit through the first three innings.

"He definitely wasn't throwing at it him," Boone told reporters, per the YES Network. "If you look, especially today, Raffy was right on the line and he threw a cutter trying to get it in there and didn't. I don't think there was any intent from Gerrit there."

Hitting Devers or intentionally walking him seems like the only way Cole can get the Red Sox slugger out these days. Devers is now 14-for-40 (.350) in his career when facing the six-time All-Star with eight home runs -- the most Cole has allowed to any opponent.

Given Cora's remarks and Brayan Bello's pointed words about Cole after the game, it wouldn't be all that surprisingly if emotions boil over when the Red Sox and Yankees wrap up their four-game series Sunday.

But Boone really doesn't want to plan for the Red Sox seeking retribution and is looking for cooler heads to prevail.

"I hope not," Boone said when asked if there will be any carryover. "We're trying to get outs. We're trying to get into the playoffs, just like them. So, we're not playing that kind of a game."