Bullpen collapse costs Yankees dearly in 8-2 loss to Brewers

New York Yankees 2, Milwaukee Brewers 8

NEW YORK — In the seventh inning, William Contreras delivered a crucial single that put the Milwaukee Brewers ahead by three runs. Despite rookie Jasson Domínguez‘s fourth home run for the New York Yankees, the Brewers managed to secure an 8-2 victory on Friday night, pushing the Yankees below the .500 mark once again.

Fly as a martian 👽 pic.twitter.com/5PukBjKv9W
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 9, 2023

Milwaukee extended their lead in the NL Central to three games ahead of the second-place Chicago Cubs.

Just one week after making his major league debut, Domínguez propelled the Yankees into a 2-0 lead with a two-run home run in the second inning against Colin Rea. Remarkably, at only 20 years old, he became the youngest player on record, dating back to at least 1901, to hit four home runs within his first seven games.

Willy Adames came through with a game-changing, two-run home run in the fourth inning against Luis Severino, who exited the game one inning later due to a left side injury.

Severino is leaving the game after showing some obvious discomfort after allowing a single in the fifth pic.twitter.com/anCWBynw2a
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 9, 2023

In the eighth inning, Andruw Monasterio kick-started the offense with a double against Jhony Brito (6-7). William Contreras followed up with a crucial single against Jonathan Loáisiga, putting their team ahead 3-2, while Carlos Santana contributed with an RBI single.

The eighth inning continued to be productive, with Andrew Monasterio adding a two-run double against Greg Weissert, capping off a three-run inning that also featured another run-scoring single by Carlos Santana.

New York (70-71) experienced their second consecutive loss, a setback that followed a promising five-game winning streak. They currently trail behind Toronto, Texas, and Boston in the race for the final AL wild card spot. The Yankees struggled to capitalize with runners on base, going just 1 for 12 in those situations.

Milwaukee, on the other hand, showcased their offensive prowess with nine of their 15 hits coming in the seventh and eighth innings. Prior to the game, several Brewers players gathered around clubhouse televisions to watch the Cubs’ 1-0 loss to Arizona.

In the fifth inning, following a leadoff single by Brice Turang, Severino’s discomfort became evident as he dropped his glove in front of the mound. He then bent over in pain and took a few steps around the mound. The 29-year-old right-handed pitcher appeared to be clutching his left side, specifically near his oblique.

Severino, who will become eligible for free agency after this season, has had a challenging campaign, currently holding a 4-8 record with a high 6.65 ERA. His season debut was delayed until May 21 due to a strained latissimus dorsi muscle.

UP NEXT

On Saturday, New York’s right-handed pitcher Michael King (4-5, 2.88 ERA) will face off against Milwaukee’s left-handed pitcher Wade Miley (7-4, 3.33 ERA). Before the game, the Yankees have planned a special celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of their remarkable 1998 team, which achieved 125 wins. Additionally, the former team captain, Derek Jeter, will make his inaugural appearance at Old-Timers’ Day.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.