UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the New York Yankees suffered a catastrophic collapse on Tuesday night, allowing the Detroit Tigers to score a staggering nine runs in the seventh inning, ultimately losing 12-2. This shocking performance has sent shockwaves through the American League East standings.
The Yankees appeared to be in control for the first six innings, but everything unraveled in the seventh. Right-handers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. faced a combined nine earned runs without recording a single out, marking a historical low as the first pair of teammates to achieve this feat since 2003, according to ESPN Research. This nightmare inning was characterized by five hits, five walks, and a hit by pitch.
Cruz, who took over for starter Will Warren, stated, “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way… It’s just one of those nights that we just need to forget.” Warren had previously kept the Tigers to just two runs over six innings, but his efforts were overshadowed by the bullpen’s collapse.
The defeat drops the Yankees to three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East, a critical position as they fight for playoff contention with only 18 games remaining this season. The Blue Jays, who secured a comeback win against the Houston Astros on the same night, now hold the tiebreaker, effectively extending their lead to four games.
The Yankees’ bullpen has struggled since the trade deadline on August 1, recording a 5.05 ERA that ranks 27th in Major League Baseball. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back, stating, “We have the guys down there to get it done. Tonight’s a tough night, but it doesn’t change a lot of the good things that have happened.”
Tuesday’s extraordinary seventh inning also marked a rare occurrence for the Yankees, who hadn’t surrendered at least six combined walks and hit batsmen in a single inning since September 2015. Cruz struggled with his control, throwing 13 of 20 pitches for balls, while Leiter’s outing included a wild pitch that allowed the sixth run to score.
As the Yankees regroup, fans await their response to this recent setback. With a crucial series ahead and the postseason looming, the team must quickly address their bullpen woes to stay in contention. The next game is expected to be pivotal for the Yankees as they strive to regain their footing in the American League East race.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Yankees look to bounce back from this staggering defeat.
