Well that was certainly a sporting event, though it was difficult to tell exactly which sport. The final line might as well have read Broncos 13, Giants 10, as it seemed the Denver defense stifled a late New York rally despite a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Tuesday night began like almost any other Yankees game. Nate Eovaldi, having regressed from his recent string of good starts, gave up six earned runs in four-plus innings. New York wasn’t able to spark much offense while Jorge de la Rosa plowed through its lineup. All seemed lost by the time the game had become official.
But no lead is ever safe in Denver, and the Yankees got firsthand experience in Coors Field 101 Tuesday night. Trailing 6-0 and 12-3, the Yankees made two attempts at comebacks in the mile-high conditions, including a seven-run eighth. Both times, however, they came up just short and ultimately fell 13-10.
Twelve batters came to the plate in that fateful eighth inning. The Yankees recorded eight singles and no extra-base hits, scoring seven runs to make it a 12-10 ballgame at the time.
Combining the Coors Field atmosphere with Yankee Stadium’s short porch would make for a heck of an offensive showing. One can only dream.
THE PLAY: THE NARRATIVE OF A STORY (+.132 WPA)
New York never led in this game, and Rockies’ shortstop Trevor Story made sure of it. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Story connected for a two-run home run to give Colorado an early 3-0 lead. The blast was Story’s 17th of the season, He was immediately followed by a Ryan Raburn solo shot.
TOP PERFORMERS
Yankees — Rob Refsnyder: 3-for-5, 1 R
Rockies — Carlos Gonzalez: 4-for-5, 1 HR, 3 R, 2 RBIs
NOTES
— Former Mets, Pirates and A’s first baseman Ike Davis made his Yankees debut Tuesday night, driving in a run with an RBI single in the 8th inning. The ribeye steak was Davis’ first since August 6 of last season.
— Rockies’ starter Jorge de la Rosa has been startlingly effective against the Yankees in his career. Over his last four starts facing New York, de la Rosa has given up a total of 0 earned runs. He is just the second pitcher in the last 100 years to accomplish such a feat, after Britt Burns didn’t allow an earned run in 5 straight starts against the Bronx Bombers from 1981-82.
— Prior to Tuesday, the Yankees had only ever played 15 games against the Rockies (five 3-games series). The loss dropped New York to 9-7 all-time.
— Carlos Beltran had his knee drained following the loss. There are no further tests scheduled, and he is doubtful for Wednesday.
THE HIGHLIGHT: DIDI GOES YARD
The first Yankee runs came thanks to a Didi Gregorius three-run home run in the sixth. Colorado’s bullpen is absolutely atrocious, making it fitting that once de la Rosa departed New York was able to quickly pounce.
UP NEXT
The Yankees conclude their brief two-game series against the Rockies tomorrow at 3:10 p.m. Ivan Nova (5-3, 4.39 ERA) will take on Chad Bettis (4-5, 5.85 ERA) as New York tries to earn a series split.
Photo: Isaiah J. Downing / USATSI; Videos: MLBAM