New information leaks about Aaron Boone's controversial World Series decision

Aaron Boone will forever have to answer for one questionable World Series decision, but it appears he is off the hook with his other questionable decision.

Boone's controversial call to sack Gerrit Cole after just 88 pitches in Game 1 of the World Series stemmed from Cole telling the Yankees manager “he was gassed,” according to author Ian O'Connor.

The seventh-year skipper has come under fire for his decision-making during the World Series loss to the Dodgers, particularly his two decisions in Game 1.

While Boone defended why he chose Nestor Cortes over Tim Hill to face Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, who hit the walk-off grand slam in the Dodgers' seminal 6-3 win in 10 innings, he expressed his opinion became more cryptic about pulling Cole in the seventh inning.

Cole allowed a leadoff single to Teoscar Hernandez to cap an eight-pitch batter while leading 2-1 as Boone began the parade of relievers.

Boone said Friday night that he thought his ace was “a little overwhelmed” and later said, “I knew I had to get him there,” adding that the reigning AL Cy Young winner was healthy.

When asked how he knew Cole couldn't get deeper into the game, Boone replied, “You'll just have to take my word for it.”

Boone is known for defending his players, which is why he is well received on his team, and he certainly knows that it would look bad if he said that Cole was out of a World Series game.

The Yankees blew their 2-1 lead an inning later when, in what would be a theme of the series, Shohei Ohtani moved from second to third with one out on a poor defensive play by Gleyber Torres.

Cole threw a deeper pitch in Game 5 on Wednesday – he threw 6 2/3 innings on 108 pitches – and again left the game with a lead that reliever Tommy Kahnle would squander in the eighth inning.