The Yankees suffered a 7-4 heartbreaking loss at Globe Life Field on Tuesday night, as closer Clay Holmes faltered in the final inning, leading to a defeat that cost the team their grip on first place in the AL East.
The game began to unravel in the eighth inning when DJ LeMahieu‘s fielding error allowed the Rangers to close within a run of the Yankees’ lead. In the ninth, Holmes struggled to close out the game, culminating in a walk-off grand slam by Wyatt Langford.
Rodon starts well but Yankees unravel late
The night had begun on a high note for the Yankees, as Carlos Rodon delivered a standout performance with a season-high 11 strikeouts over six innings. The Yankees carried a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning.
The Rangers’ rally started when Smith hit a high chopper to first base that DJ LeMahieu, blinded by the lights, mishandled for an error. After a broken-bat infield single by Semien off reliever Jake Cousins, Josh Jung hit a line drive that Gleyber Torres, attempting a backhand play, couldn’t field cleanly, allowing an RBI single that trimmed the lead to 4-2.
Boone acknowledged the play’s difficulty, noting the fast infield surface at Globe Life Field. He suggested that if Torres had managed to handle the hop, it could have led to a double play, but he recognized the tough circumstances surrounding the play.
“It was a tough play, on this track that’s obviously fast,” the Yankees manager said. “If he stabs it, we probably get a double play there, but it’s a tough one.”
This loss, the Yankees’ fifth in their last seven games, dropped them to second place in the AL East for the first time since August 20, with the Orioles now holding a half-game lead in the division.
Holmes’ clay of feet outing for Yankees
Langford’s game-winning homer came on a full count with one out after Holmes had already walked two batters to load the bases. the Yankees closer left a slider hanging over the plate, and Langford made no mistake, sending the ball over the left-field wall.
Holmes, known for inducing ground balls, has often been undone by soft contact this season. But in Tuesday’s outing, his struggles were self-inflicted. His control issues surfaced as he repeatedly missed the strike zone, throwing sinkers and sliders in the dirt. Walks to Josh Smith and Marcus Semien loaded the bases with one out, setting the stage for Wyatt Langford’s game-winning grand slam.
The blown save was Holmes’ 11th of the season, the most in the league, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his role and the ongoing struggles of the Yankees’ bullpen.
Holmes was candid about his performance, admitting that this was not one of those games where he pitched well but still lost. “I didn’t have it tonight,” he said, acknowledging that the result was deserved.
The Yankees pitcher pinpointed his struggles to losing command of his delivery and failing to get a feel for his sinker. He also noted that his slider was staying up in the zone, possibly due to rushing his pitches. Holmes expressed disappointment in the outing and stressed the importance of the team bouncing back in the next game.
With Holmes having pitched on back-to-back nights, it’s unlikely he’ll be available for Wednesday’s series finale, which marks the Yankees’ tenth consecutive rubber game. When Holmes might next be called upon in a safe situation remains unclear.
Boone reclusive on Yankees’ closer options
Yankees manager had previously hinted at possibly reevaluating the closer role after Clay Holmes blew a save during the Little League Classic on August 18. However, Holmes had bounced back with three straight converted saves leading up to Tuesday’s setback.
When asked about the possibility of making a change in the closer role, manager Aaron Boone declined to give a definitive answer. He emphasized that any decisions would be made after emotions had settled, with the goal of making the best choice for the team moving forward.
“I’m not going to answer that right now when we’re raw and emotional,” he said. “We’ll talk through it and do what we think is the best thing.”
Reflecting on the gut-wrenching loss, Carlos Rodon acknowledged baseball’s unforgiving nature but expressed unwavering confidence in Clay Holmes. Rodon praised Holmes as a crucial part of the team and said he looks forward to seeing his teammate bounce back on the mound.
“It’s tough,” the Yankees lefty said. “Baseball can be very cruel. It’s a cruel game. But I have a lot of faith in Clay Holmes. He’s a good teammate, so he’s got all my support. I’m looking forward to seeing him out there again.”
Boone admitted Holmes’ struggles were evident but underscored the closer’s importance to the bullpen. The Yankees skipper stressed the need for Holmes to rebound and deliver the kind of standout performances that have defined his role. But recent performances speak on a different note.
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