PETERSBURG, Fla. — Yankees Struggle Again Despite Ending Scoreless Streak
The Yankees quickly ended their scoreless run on Friday night, but that’s about where the good news stopped.
After facing cold weather earlier in the week, they still couldn’t find their rhythm at the plate, losing 5-3 to the Rays at Tropicana Field. This marked their third consecutive loss.
Overall, the Yankees (8-5) managed only five hits, which is an improvement, I suppose, over their performance on Thursday. Still, they’ve allowed just 10 hits in the last three games, which isn’t necessarily encouraging.
Manager Aaron Boone reflected on the team’s offense, saying, “We just need to get some guys together and make some big hits.” He added that while the power hasn’t been there lately, his approach has been, well, mostly solid.
“That’s just how it is sometimes. The offense can be a little inconsistent,” he noted, accepting that some players are going to struggle at times.
In the first inning, Amed Rosario hit an RBI triple, pushing the score to 2-0 and ending a lengthy scoreless spell for the Yankees, who didn’t get another hit until Ben Rice connected for a pinch-hit homer in the eighth, trail 5-3.
During their drought, the only base runner for the Yankees was Paul Goldschmidt, who walked and was hit by a pitch but couldn’t advance past first.
They did create some tension in the ninth, stringing together a few singles to threaten. However, Jazz Chisholm Jr. grounded into a fielder’s choice, Randall Grichuk struck out, and pinch hitter Trent Grisham popped out—even with runners on second and third. It was a letdown.
“We need to hit, that’s it,” remarked Austin Wells, who went 0-for-3 and is hitting just 5-for-33 this season. “We’ve got to take the pressure off the pitchers. They’re doing great work. We need to string some good at-bats together.”
Lewis Gil, in his season debut, had his struggles as well, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks over four innings, but at least he managed to keep it to a minimum. He threw quite a few pitches—88, to be exact.
Despite the challenges, he felt it was a decent first outing and mentioned, “It was a battle tonight. It could be better. But, you know, it’s our first road trip of the season. I’m happy to be back.”
The Yankees faced off against former Met, left-hander Steven Matz, who was able to strike first. Aaron Judge singled and took advantage of a mistake, scoring on Cody Bellinger’s sacrifice fly. Things looked promising initially.
But then the Rays struck back quickly. After Gil got two outs, he issued a walk that led to Yandy Diaz hitting a two-run homer, tying the game.
The Rays pulled ahead in the third inning and scored more in the sixth, capitalizing on some defensive errors by the Yankees.
“I think we have all the tools needed to turn things around,” Wells said, showing a bit of optimism. “Every player in this locker room has the potential to bounce back.” He seems hopeful that this resilience could steer them in the right direction as the season progresses.
