Yankees 4-6 Rays: Costly errors and missed chances plague Bombers in another defeat
- July 21, 2024
- 6:12 pm
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Follow UsNew York Yankees 4-6 Tampa Bay Rays
The Yankees’ recent struggles continued Sunday with a 6-4 loss to the Rays, as missed opportunities and costly errors overshadowed a spirited late-inning rally at Yankee Stadium.
How it happened
The Yankees (59-42) loaded the bases in both the first and second innings but failed to score, setting a frustrating tone for the game. Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo were unable to drive in runs in key moments, with Verdugo’s slump extending to 21 hitless at-bats.
The Rays took an early lead with a solo home run from Richie Palacios in the first inning off starter Marcus Stroman. Randy Arozarena added another homer in the fourth, and an error by Torres led to a third run, putting the Yankees in a 3-0 hole. Torres, who leads all second basemen with 12 errors this season, has been a defensive liability.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Yankees showed signs of life in the seventh inning. Juan Soto’s double and Ben Rice’s single set the stage for a three-run home run by Aaron Judge, cutting the deficit to 5-3. However, Torres grounded into an inning-ending double play, squandering a chance to tie the game.
In the ninth, Juan Soto doubled in Ben Rice to bring the tying run to the plate. However, Rays closer Pete Fairbanks managed to retire Judge and struck out Austin Wells to end the game.
Manager Aaron Boone was ejected in the seventh inning for arguing balls and strikes, missing the final three innings. His ejection came after prolonged arguing over a called third strike against Alex Verdugo in the sixth inning, a call that drew ire from the Yankees’ dugout.
Stroman pitched five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on two solo home runs. He did not issue any walks, a rare occurrence for him this season.
Rays starter Shane Baz struggled with control, walking multiple batters and loading the bases twice in 3 ¹/₃ innings. However, the Yankees couldn’t capitalize, going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine men on base.
Jake Cousins faltered in the seventh inning, giving up a two-run homer to Jose Siri, which extended the Rays’ lead to 5-0. Luke Weaver later surrendered a solo shot to Jose Caballero in the ninth, providing the Rays with a crucial insurance run.
Despite the late rally, the Yankees’ inability to deliver in crucial situations proved costly. Their top-heavy lineup continues to rely heavily on Judge and Soto, while the bullpen’s struggles to keep the ball in the park, combined with defensive miscues, have been ongoing issues.
The Yankees must address these shortcomings ahead of the trade deadline if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
Roster
Up next
The New York Yankees will take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05 p.m. Eastern Time, with the game broadcast on YES and MLBN. The Yankees’ left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon (9-7, 4.63 ERA) will face off against the Rays’ right-handed pitcher Zack Littell (3-6, 4.26 ERA).
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