Boston pops New York’s rally

NEW YORK» Craig Kimbrel and the Boston Red Sox held off the Yankees’ ninthinning rally that ended with a video replay, eliminating New York with a 43 victory Tuesday night that set up a postseason rematch with the World Series champion Houston Astros.

Trailing in Game 4 of the AL division series, the Yankees scored twice in the ninth and had runners at first and second with two outs. Gleyber Torres hit a slow roller that third baseman Eduardo Nuñez charged and threw in a hurry.

Boston first baseman Steve Pearce stretched for an outstanding catch that nipped Torres. The Yankees immediately challenged and, with a sellout crowd standing and hoping, the out call was upheld after a 63second review.

J.D. Martinez and the 108win Red Sox reached the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2013. A year after losing to Houston in a fourgame ALDS, they will open the bestofseven matchup against the 103win Astros on Saturday night at Fenway Park. Rookie Boston manager Alex Cora was Houston’s bench coach last October.

“We’re ready for another shot,” Red Sox pitcher Rick Porcello said.

A New Jersey native who grew up a Mets fan, Porcello held the Yankees to one run over five innings for his first postseason win. Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier followed with a perfect inning each to protect a 41 lead, and Red Sox ace Chris Sale followed with a 123 eighth in a rare relief appearance.

New York had not put a leadoff runner on until Kimbrel, a seventime allstar closer, walked Aaron Judge on four pitches leading off the ninth.