The Yankees had won seven straight games entering Sunday’s contest with the Rays. Seven games of sheer madness had vaulted them into contention not only for a Wild Card, but for the division lead. The seemingly impossible looks to be in reach for a team that essentially called it quits on August 1st.
That quest took a step back on Sunday. The Yankees lost to Tampa Bay, 4-2, in a dry and somewhat soulless affair at Yankee Stadium. The game did not have thrilling moments or fascinating storylines beyond the fate of the streak, there were no truly outstanding plays. The game began, progressed, and ended.
Along the way, Luis Cessa gave up three home runs, and Tampa starter Matt Andriese became the latest in a long line of faceless pitchers to stymie the Yankees this year. Former Yankee Chase Whitley made his return from Tommy John surgery in a Rays uniform. The Yankees scored just two runs against these two men. They did not look like the offense that has gone gangbusters since the ascension of Gary Sanchez and his fellow rookies.
Winning streaks can’t last forever. However, at least on paper, this was a very winnable game. So it goes. Their playoff hopes, for now, are still alive.
The Play: Corey Dickerson mashes a two-run bomb (.200 WPA)
Dickerson has not been good this year. He seems to turn into Mickey Mantle when the Yankees are involved. That hardly seems fair.
Top Performers
Yankees: Brett Gardner (3-4, 2B, RBI, SB)
Rays: Corey Dickerson (3-4, 2R HR)
Notes
- Most of the games in the league haven’t finished as of this writing, but it looks like Baltimore will beat the Tigers, while Boston and Toronto are playing a wild one with nearly 20 runs on the board so far. That would give the Tigers the same record as the Yankees. The Astros will have to deal with the Cubs tonight.
- Luis Severino once again provided some quality relief innings today, as did Blake Parker. Severino may be destined for full-time relief work next year and Parker is looking like a keeper.
- Prior to the game, there was a nice ceremony to remember those killed in the terrorist attacks fifteen years ago today.
- Yes, Gary Sanchez got on base again.
- Logan Morrison strained his wrist on an awkward swing and was removed for the game. He’s likely done for the year for Tampa.
The Highlight: Headley is deadly
Chase Headley has really had a rather nice year. He’s now up to .257/.331/.398 with 14 home runs after being essentially dead offensive weight for the first month and change of the season. He’s playing some good defense, too. That’s a nice turnaround.
Up Next
The Dodgers will venture out east for old time’s sake and take on their old rivals in the Bronx. It’ll be top prospect Jose De Leon going for Los Angeles, while Bryan Mitchell will start for New York.
Photo: Andy Marlin / USA Today Sports