With a 2-0 deficit going into the eighth inning and only managing one hit against Alec March, the starter for the Kansas City Royals, the New York Yankees mounted a late-inning comeback to grab a 3-2 lead. Thanks in part to a breezy day that caused the ball to go a few additional feet, Anthony Rizzo’s home run to right field that just cleared the fence opened the inning.
Yankees’ Late March Is Insufficient in Kansas City
Austin Wells, the catcher, advanced to base when second baseman Garrett Hampson of the Royals made a mistake, carrying the momentum forward. Not too long later, Anthony Volpe grounded out to third base and reserve outfielder Trent Grisham hit to right field, scoring a vital run. Juan Soto, the team’s star slugger, then led the Yankees with a single to right.
A Pitching Attempt and a Disappointing Turn
The Yankees tried their best, but they were not able to win 4-3. The Royals used smart small-ball strategies in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring two runs in the process to take the lead again. Maikel Garcia, batting first, walked off after driving in the game-winning runs with a double to left field.
The Yankees had been hitless for the first seven innings of the game and had generally struggled offensively, so this turn of events was especially discouraging. Despite having momentarily taken the lead, they ultimately wasted it and lost the opportunity to sweep the four-game series. With a.690 winning %, the Yankees continue to lead the American League East by 2.5 games over the Baltimore Orioles despite the defeat. They also have the best record in MLB.
Nestor Cortes saw some difficulties while on the mound, but he nonetheless put up a strong effort, giving up two runs and striking out two hitters in 88 pitches. Though it’s still a solid number, Cortes presently leads the Yankees starting pitchers in ERA (3.59).
With Clarke Schmidt’s rehabilitation from a right lat injury and Cole’s expected return in the upcoming weeks, the Yankees’ rotation is about to get a big lift. Cortes may go into a bullpen position when the rotation reaches its peak effectiveness.
Yankees add outfield prospect to injured list for whole season
Yankees: The team’s 4-3 walk-off defeat to the Royals had both good and bad news.
At the trade deadline, the Yankees are “increasingly likely” to fortify two positions.
With Luis Gil scheduled to start the first game of the three-game series in Boston on Friday night at 6:30 PM, the Yankees want to put this loss behind them and concentrate on their next three games.
