The Yankees have suffered yet another loss this season due to the bullpen giving up the lead late in the game and the offense being unable to make a comeback.
- New York Yankees: 2 (4-3)
- Toronto Blue Jays: 5 (2-5)
- American League, FINAL
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Thursday night was another one of those “annoying” losses for the Yankees where the bullpen blew the one-run lead late and the Yankees just couldn’t find the strength to make a comeback.
Masahiro Tanaka started the game for the Yankees and had a spectacular outing excluding his final inning of work. The right-hander went 6.1 innings while striking out seven batters and surrendering three earned runs, all coming in the seventh inning.
Chad Green relieved Tanaka in the middle of the seventh and struggled mightily. He gave up two earned runs of his own on three hits in his two outs of work. He was hit hard by the Orioles lineup and put the score out of reach.
Dellin Betances came in to pitch the ninth inning and improved from his last appearance in Toronto with a clean inning which included three strikeouts.
For the most part on Thursday night, the offense was not as loud as it has been the previous two days. They were only able to tally four hits throughout the ballgame, with one of them being a solo home run by Aaron Judge.
New York had a prime opportunity with bases loaded in the eighth inning down by three, but they were unable to capitalize and score any runs.
Bullpen Struggles
Entering the 2018 season, the Yankees bullpen was considered one of the strongest in baseball, if not the strongest. However, to this point, the bullpen has been the complete opposite of what they expected it to be.
They have already surrendered 16 earned runs in the young season and all of their stud arms have looked hittable and have gotten scored off. It could be a troubling sign if they do not turn it around soon.
Odds are they will all turn around and find their groove eventually, but for the sake of the team, you just have to hope that time is soon.
What’s Next
The Yankees will continue their series with Baltimore on Friday night in a game where they will be looking to rebound from Thursday night’s loss.
Veteran left-hander CC Sabathia will take the mound for the Yankees and go up against Kevin Gausman of the Orioles.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET on YES Network or can be heard on the radio at WFAN 660/101.9FM.