"Yankees Collapse in AL Wild Card Game 1: Boone’s Decision & Judge’s Injury Exposed"
1. Setting the Stage: Game 1, Expectations & Stakes (Visual: logos, playoff bracket, quick highlight montage) VO: “Game 1 of a postseason series is more than just one game — it sets tone, momentum, and frames narratives. The Yankees, carrying expectations and history, opened the AL Wild Card at home against their old rival, Boston. Manager Aaron Boone had a task: balance trusting his ace, managing his bullpen, and reading the flow of the game. On the mound was Max Fried , delivering 6⅓ scoreless innings, throwing 102 pitches, and seemingly in control. ( ESPN ) New York held a 1–0 lead, courtesy of a solo homer from Anthony Volpe. ( ESPN ) But Boone’s decision to pull Fried — even as he asked for “one more out” — triggered a chain reaction. ( ESPN )” 2. The Boone Decision: Pulling Fried, Rolling the Dice VO: “Boone later explained his logic: Fried’s command was slipping in late innings. He had to work hard in the 4th, 5th, and 6th, and Boone felt ‘convicted’ that it was ti...