The Yankees looked like they hadn’t shaken the sleep from their eyes Tuesday night.
Following Monday’s series opener against Texas that featured a rain delay lasting three hours and 35 minutes in the top of the ninth, New York was completely lifeless at the plate. Rangers’ starting pitcher Cole Hamels, who hadn’t ever beaten the Yankees, mowed through the lineup, scattering six hits over seven scoreless innings. The Yankees went on to lose 7-1.
Texas appeared almost as lifeless, but not quite — CC Sabathia allowed a two-run home run to Adrian Beltre in the first inning. However, he then retired 14 of the next 15 batters and ended his night with Beltre’s blast the lone blemish until the eighth when everything unraveled.
The 6-foot-7 lefty was ultimately charged with six runs in 7+ innings. A four-run eighth ruined what would have otherwise been a solid start for Sabathia.
Alex Rodriguez helped New York avoid a shutout, as he drove Jacoby Ellsbury in with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.
THE PLAY: AN OLD GUY HITS A HOME RUN, BUT NOT FOR THE YANKEES (+.171 WPA)
The Yankees trailed in this one from the get-go thanks to Beltre. He took Sabathia deep in the first inning, giving Texas a 2-0 lead just three batters into the game. The score stayed 2-0 for much of the game, until the Rangers blew the doors off in the eighth inning.
TOP PERFORMERS
Rangers — Adrian Beltre: 3-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR
Yankees — The weather: it didn’t rain until after the game ended.
NOTES
— Carlos Beltran, one of the only offensively consistent Yankees this season, left the game in the first inning with the tight hamstring. He was sent for an MRI during the game and was replaced by Rob Refsnyder. Beltran departed after singling and coming up lame, but the MRI, thankfully, showed no damage and the Yankees are saying that his leg cramped up. He’s day-to-day. His slash line sits at .297/.336/.570.
— The injury bug continued hitting the Yankees mid-game, as the team announced James Kaprielian is suffering from a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow. He will seek further evaluation from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a notable Tommy John surgeon.
— Anthony Swarzak tried to keep the game at 4-0 Rangers when he relieved Sabathia in the eighth, but allowed two inherited baserunners to score. Sabathia’s final line: 7+ IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K.
THE HIGHLIGHT: THE YANKEES WIN A CHALLENGE
At least they won something.
UP NEXT
The Yankees will try to avoid a series loss Wednesday in the third game of their four-game series with the Rangers. Masahiro Tanaka (5-2, 3.01 ERA) will take the mound for the home team while Nick Martinez (1-1, 5.54 ERA) opposes him.
Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso / USA TODAY Sports