Yankees Reactions: Gerrit Cole Returned to the mound, as the Bullpen blows a late lead
New York is on a three-game losing streak as the offense continues to no-show
NEW YORK — An absolute gut punch for the Yankees. They lost their third straight game tonight, losing to the Rays 4-2, dropping to 30-22.
The team has scored a total of three runs in their past three games. They good a good outing from Gerrit Cole, but spoiled the outing with bad defense in the eighth inning.
The Turning Point
After getting out of a big time jam in the top of the seventh inning, the Yankees got right back into a jam in the eighth inning. The four-run inning for the Rays was all they needed, and it all started on an E6 by Caballero.
The Rays would go on to score four runs, aided by Tim Hill throwing a ball into center field that could have been a big double play and prevented two of the four runs from potentially scoring.
The Yankees bullpen needs to be better in spots like this, and getting big outs. Part of the reason the Yankees have been losing is their poor bullpen and their inability to finish games.
Game Notes & Takeaways
Mastery on the Mound: Gerrit Cole made his return to the mound today for the Yankees, and it was a good one. Cole fired six inning, not giving up a run. He had good life on all of his pitches, but his changeup, but command of that pitch will come in time.
It was good to see Cole as good and sharp as he was in this outing, considering the major surgery he just came back from. Cole will be expected to carry a big load going forward for the Yankees, and tonight against a scrappy Rays offense was a good sign.
Offensive Catalyst: Austin Wells deserves some love. He had two really good at-bats in this game, one resulting in a solo home run to give the Yankees a 1-0 fifth inning lead. His at-bats to that point had been poor. It was good to see Wells wake up offensively a bit and show off some power.
If Wells could be a threat to go deep in this lineup, it lengthen things out a lot. I don’t know if it’s sustainable long-term for Wells, but the Yankees still believe there is offense in the tank for Wells, it’s up to him to show it.
On the Horizon
The Yankees will look to even the series against the Rays tomorrow. It will be left-hander Ryan Weathers tomorrow for the Yankees against Drew Rasmussen for the Rays. First pitch is scheduled (weather pending) for 1:35pm EST. The game will be broadcasted on the YES network and Gotham Sports App.