The Yankees’ tragic number is down to eight.
After a big 11-5 win in Tampa on Wednesday, New York fell to rookie Blake Snell and company, 2-0. Snell was on for five innings, striking out five and allowing just five hits, and old friend Chase Whitley had an easy go of it in building a bridge to closer Alex Colome.
Sometimes, there’s only so much you can do. Luis Cessa had one of his best outings of the year, striking out six over six innings of two-run ball, but Snell was simply better. He flashed the repertoire that will likely torment Yankee hitters for years to come.
The Yankees can take little solace in winning this series two games to one, as their odds of making the postseason continue to get skinnier. They now sit three games back in the wild card.
The Play: Brad Miller’s RBI single in the first (+.127 WPA)
The first inning was Cessa’s worst, and it was highlighted by this mistake to Brad Miller. It’s 1-1 and Sanchez calls for a low fastball on the black. Instead, Cessa elevates it to Miller’s belt, and catches a lot of plate. Miller easily deposits it through the wide hole on the left side created by Didi Gregorius holding the runner on to score Logan Forsythe from second.
Top Performers
Yankees: Luis Cessa (6 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 ER, 6 K)
Rays: Blake Snell (5 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K)
Notes
— Luis Severino came on in relief of Cessa to throw two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out three. He continues to be effective out of the bullpen.
— Gary Sanchez walked twice. Even against a tough pitcher having a great night, he managed to have good at-bats and reach base twice. Rory Masterson wrote today why he should win AL Rookie of the Year.
— Aaron Hicks picked up a couple of hits and is now 3 for 8 with a walk in his two games since returning from injury.
— The Yankees traded Phil Coke to the Pirates before the game for cash considerations.
The Highlight: Sanchez nabs Kiermaier
Next Up
The Yankees head to the hitter-friendly Rogers Centre for a three-game set with the Blue Jays. Bryan Mitchell is tasked with winning a game against the highly-volatile Francisco Liriano.
Photo: Kim Klement / USA Today Sports