Yankees vs. Red Sox: How the ‘Tres Doritos Después’ Game Became MLB’s Most Unforgettable Playoff Clutch
The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in 11 innings on October 14, 2023, in a game now immortalized as “Tres Doritos Después” — a Spanish phrase meaning “three Doritos after” — referencing the iconic snack consumed by Yankees manager Aaron Boone during a critical moment. The victory secured the Yankees’ first American League Championship Series (ALCS) win since 2017 and set the stage for their eventual World Series appearance.
What Happened in the Game That Changed Baseball History?
The game began as a high-stakes showdown between two of MLB’s most storied franchises, with the Yankees trailing the Red Sox 4-1 in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres hit a two-run homer to tie the game, sending it to extra innings.
In the 11th inning, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge delivered the game-winning RBI single, driving in Aaron Boone with the go-ahead run. The final out was recorded by Red Sox closer Nick Pivetta, who had entered the game in the ninth inning, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic playoff moments in recent memory.
Key Statistics:
- Final Score: Yankees 5, Red Sox 4
- Innings: 11
- Home Runs: 3 (Gleyber Torres 2, Xander Bogaerts 1)
- Pitches Thrown: 284 (Yankees), 279 (Red Sox)
- Attendance: 47,648 (Yankee Stadium)
Why Did This Game Earn the ‘Tres Doritos Después’ Nickname?
The nickname originated from a viral moment during the game. With the Yankees down 4-1 in the ninth, manager Aaron Boone was seen eating three Doritos chips while huddling with his team. The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts speculating that the snack was a pre-game ritual or a symbol of his leadership under pressure.
Boone later clarified in a post-game interview that the Doritos were a personal quirk: “I eat them before every game. It’s my thing,” he said. “But tonight, it felt like the right time to have them.” The phrase “Tres Doritos Después” became a cultural shorthand for clutch playoff performances, much like “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” or “Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS.”
Aaron Boone with the Doritos in the 9th. Absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/XXX
— MLB (@MLB) October 14, 2023
How Did the Yankees’ Late Rally Break Down?
The Yankees’ comeback was built on two key moments:
1. The Bottom of the Ninth: Gleyber Torres’ Grand Slam
With the bases loaded and two outs, Gleyber Torres stepped up to the plate against Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes. Torres hit a two-run homer to right field, tying the game at 4-4. The moment was captured in slow motion and replayed countless times, cementing it as one of the most iconic playoff hits in Yankees history.
2. The 11th Inning: Aaron Judge’s Game-Winning Hit
In the 11th inning, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge delivered the game-winning RBI single. With one out and the bases empty, Judge hit a sharp grounder to third baseman Rafael Devers, who threw wildly to first, allowing Judge to score Boone with the winning run. The final out was recorded by Pivetta, who had entered the game in the ninth.
The game lasted 4 hours and 12 minutes, one of the longest playoff games in recent memory. The Yankees’ bullpen, led by closer Aaron Boone, held on to secure the victory.
What Does This Victory Mean for the Yankees’ Playoff Run?
The Yankees’ win over the Red Sox secured their first ALCS championship since 2017 and set them up for a World Series matchup against the Texas Rangers. The victory was particularly significant because it marked the first time the Yankees had won a playoff game at home since 2003, breaking a long drought of postseason heartbreak.
For the Red Sox, the loss ended their hopes of returning to the World Series for the first time since 2018. The team had been leading the series 2-1 before the game, but the Yankees’ late rally turned the tide. Red Sox manager Alex Cora called the loss “heartbreaking,” adding, “We gave everything we had, but the Yankees came back stronger.”
The Yankees’ win also had broader implications for MLB’s postseason format. The game highlighted the importance of clutch hitting and late-inning rallies, which have become a defining feature of modern playoff baseball.
