Gerrit Cole’s curious decision to intentionally walk Boston’s Rafael Devers with no one on base while working on a no-hit bid led to a three-run fourth inning and an early exit for the New York Yankees ace.

NEW YORK — Before New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole took the mound in the fourth inning, he met with pitching coach Matt Blake in the tunnel leading to the clubhouse. They discussed that if they retired Boston Red Sox leadoff hitter Jarren Duran, they would intentionally walk Rafael Devers with one out and no one on base.

The Red Sox couldn't get much going against Gerrit Cole Saturday until the bizarre decision to intentionally walk Rafael Devers with the bases loaded in the fourth inning.