In a thrilling extra-innings matchup, the New York Yankees suffered a defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers. While the Yankees’ hitting showed promise, their bullpen choice ultimately backfired, resulting in a heartbreaking loss.
The game started off with a bang as the Yankees took an early lead with solo home runs from Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo in the first two innings. However, their offensive momentum quickly fizzled out as Brewers’ pitcher Colin Rea and the bullpen retired 10 in a row and 13 of the next 14 batters.
It wasn’t until the fourth inning that the Yankees regained their offensive prowess. Three home runs from Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham gave the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Grisham, who had been struggling at the plate, redeemed himself with a three-run home run into the second deck.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, their lead didn’t last long. Starting pitcher Luis Gil, who had not given up any home runs in his previous four starts, allowed two home runs in the game, accounting for four of the five runs he allowed over five-plus innings. Gil’s night ended early when ex-Yankee Gary Sanchez hit a double off his second pitch of the sixth inning.
The Yankees’ bullpen had already been heavily used leading up to the extra innings, with Clay Holmes throwing a scoreless ninth inning. However, manager Aaron Boone made a questionable decision by choosing to bring in Michael Tonkin instead of extending Holmes for another inning. Tonkin had been designated for assignment three times in the past month and hadn’t pitched since being picked up off waivers by the Yankees.
Tonkin initially stranded the winning run at third base in the 10th inning, but he couldn’t hold on in the 11th. Joey Ortiz of the Brewers delivered a walk-off single past third baseman Jahmai Jones, sealing the victory for Milwaukee.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, there were some bright spots for the Yankees. Giancarlo Stanton, who has struggled as a pinch-hitter throughout his career, came off the bench and hit a leadoff double in the 10th inning, giving the Yankees a brief lead. Additionally, Grisham’s three-run homer showed signs of his potential to contribute to the team’s offense.
Overall, the game showcased the Yankees’ hitting prowess but highlighted their struggles in the bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone’s decision to go with an unproven reliever ultimately cost them the game. As the season continues, the Yankees will need to address their bullpen concerns to maintain their competitive edge and avoid similar losses in the future.
