Strikeout shortage: Yankees pitching makes tough September start

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The Yankees fell to the Cardinals, 14-7, in a high-scoring affair at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, with the game slipping away in the seventh inning. This defeat marks New York’s fourth loss in its last five games, trimming their lead over the Baltimore Orioles to just half a game in the AL East standings.

Despite the team’s recent struggles, starting pitcher Nestor Cortes emphasized the importance of staying positive and focused, highlighting that the Yankees are still holding onto first place in the division. He stressed the need to approach each game with determination and readiness.

“As bad as people think we are playing … we are still in first place,” he said. “It’s there for us to take. We just have to come out every day prepared and be ready to win every single day.”

The Yankees’ bullpen faltered after Cortes departed following four innings, surrendering nine runs—eight earned. The turning point came in the seventh when the Cardinals broke a 7-7 deadlock with a five-run outburst. 

Jake Cousins opened the seventh for the Yankees but was pulled after recording one out with runners on first and second. Tommy Kahnle, who had been reliable in recent outings, entered the game and managed to get one out before Victor Scott II smacked a double over right fielder Juan Soto’s head, scoring a run.

Phil Bickford was brought in to face Masyn Winn, who hit a soft comebacker. However, Bickford’s wild throw past first baseman Anthony Rizzo allowed another run to cross the plate, with Winn reaching on a single.

But Boone still believe in Yankees arms

Manager Aaron Boone pointed to the bullpen’s inability to close out the inning, noting that the Cardinals’ five-run rally began with two outs and the game still tied. He maintained confidence in relievers like Kahnle and Cousins despite the rough outing, emphasizing their recent solid performances and importance to the team. Boone expressed no hesitation in calling on them again, underscoring their key roles in the Yankees’ bullpen strategy moving forward.

“The difference is, we couldn’t close out that inning. We were still tied with two outs when they got all of those five runs,” the Yankees manager told. “It’s one of those games. Tommy has been so good. Cousins has been so good. So no issues going right back to those guys, and knowing how important they have been to our bullpen and our success on the back end.”

Tommy Kahnle‘s dominant run hit a snag on Sunday as the Yankees reliever gave up earned runs for the first time since July 14 against Baltimore. Kahnle struggled with his command, frequently falling behind in counts and leaving pitches in hittable spots. His changeup consistently caught too much of the plate, and Cardinals hitters capitalized on his fastballs. Despite the rough outing, Kahnle vowed to rebound in his next appearances.

Nestor Cortes, who had shown glimpses of regaining his form in recent starts, also faced a tough day on the mound. The left-hander lasted just four innings, throwing 80 pitches and allowing five runs on nine hits. The fourth inning proved particularly problematic, as Cortes surrendered four runs, including a two-run homer by Luken Baker.

Manager Aaron Boone noted that while Cortes’ fastball retained its usual characteristics, he wasn’t generating his typical swing-and-miss results. Boone credited the Cardinals’ hitters for their strong approach at the plate, consistently putting the ball in play against Cortes.

Cortes’ outing was further hampered by shaky defense behind him. In the second inning, Brendan Donovan lofted a fly ball that seemed routine for right fielder Juan Soto, but Soto misjudged the play, retreating too late as the ball sailed over his head for a double. Donovan eventually scored on Jordan Walker’s single.

This defensive miscue, combined with Cortes’ struggles and the bullpen’s inability to contain the Cardinals’ offense, contributed to the Yankees’ 14-7 defeat. The loss underscored the team’s ongoing issues as they cling to a narrow lead in the AL East and gear up for the critical final weeks of the season.

As rain began to fall in the fourth inning, Alex Verdugo faced difficulties in left field. A fly ball off the bat of Masyn Winn seemed playable, but Verdugo’s approach was hindered by the slick grass, leading to the ball dropping for a two-run double. The play added to the Yankees’ mounting troubles.

Nestor Cortes left the game with the Yankees trailing 5-2, but the team managed to rally, tying the game 7-7 by the end of the sixth inning. A bright spot for the Yankees’ offense was Anthony Rizzo, making his first appearance since June 16. Rizzo delivered a crucial double to left field in the fifth inning, driving in Jazz Chisholm Jr. from first base.

Despite their comeback efforts, the Yankees couldn’t close the deal, falling 14-7. They now head into a crucial three-game series on the road against the Texas Rangers.

Boone expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to clinch the series against the Cardinals but underscored the importance of moving forward. The Yankees skipper stressed the need for the Yankees to bring their best effort in the upcoming games, emphasizing the urgency as they remain in a tight AL East race.

“We know how important these games are,” Boone said. “Another opportunity to win a series that we weren’t able to finish and that sucks, but it’s onward. … We have to play our best.”

He highlighted the importance of starting strong against the Rangers, viewing the series as an opportunity to refocus and push ahead in the standings.

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