The New York Yankees are currently playing a crucial stretch of games to keep the playoff hopes alive. With 60-58, the odds are bleak, but the Yanks are taking their chances. Over the weekend, the club faced Miami Marlins in a three-game series. They kicked off the series on the right foot by comfortably securing the series opener.
However, things went haywire shortly after. The New York Yankees, short of starters, fielded the bullpen throughout the series. Some decisions worked, while some failed miserably. Naturally, the manager Aaron Boone, the brain behind the moves, was caught at the wrong end and had to face the wrath of the agitated fans.
Aaron Boone Blamed For Yankees Series Finale Meltdown Vs. Marlins
The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins set up a high-voltage series finale for Sunday after leveling the three games series by 1-1. The Bronx Bombers maintained a comfortable lead till the ninth inning. They looked poised to secure the series right before Clay Holmes walked out of the bullpen. Holmes not only blew up the lead but also allowed a run lead. Marlins Jake Burger nailed the walk-off run and sealed the series for his team. Meanwhile, the Yankees exited the field shell-shocked. After all, they blew away a four-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. The fans, on the other hand, were not pleased either. They put the entire blame for the loss on skipper Aaron Boone while questioning his bullpen decisions.
As soon as Aaron Boone walked out to retire Clay Holmes, he heard loud boos from the crowd. Not only that, social media sites were filled with “Fire Boone” messages minutes after the loss. Many questioned the manager’s bullpen decisions and also why starter Gerrit Cole was not allowed to go further deep. In his defense, Boone said that Marlins played well by putting together quality at-bats. It is unfortunate that the Bronx Bombers ended up on the other side. Having said that, time is running out for the Yanks. They have mere 44 games on the schedule to get to the ultimate playoff wildcard spot. Currently, they are seated at the bottom of the East with 60-58, five games below the wildcard position.
Gerrit Cole Once Again Left Let Down By The Bullpen
New York Yankees ace pitcher Gerrit Cole made a start vs. Marlins on Sunday in the series finale. He looked solid with his cutters and sinkers as the ace gave away mere two runs in six innings pitched. He managed to keep the potent Marlins hitters at bay through perfect execution. However, the relievers that followed him destroyed Cole’s perfect start.
Wandy Peralta and Clay Holmes ended up leaking five runs in the remaining three innings, which resulted in a brutal 8-7 loss. The Yankees had complete control over the matchup right until the bottom of the ninth, where everything went haywire. It’s just a miserable season for the Yanks. Coping and rising from here to the playoffs looks like an impossible task.