The Yankees fell to the Phillies 5-4 on Thursday, splitting the four-game series.
The Phillies jumped on Jordan Montgomery in the first inning. Following a Rhys Hoskins walk and a Bryce Harper single, J.T. Realmuto took advantage of a hanging curveball, slamming a three-run home run (his third of the season) to put the Phillies out to an early 3-0 lead.
The Yankees answered back in the second inning. After Tyler Wade walked with two outs to load the bases, Mike Tauchman delivered with a line drive to center field, scoring two and bringing the Yankees back within a run.
The Phillies got those two runs back in the third, as Phil Gosselin smacked a double to left-center field, scoring Harper and Realmuto to put the Phillies up 5-2. Gosselin, who has been a part-time player for the Phillies with a penchant for hitting lefties, raised his season average to a whopping .600 with the hit.
Montgomery’s night ended after four innings, as he allowed five runs on six hits, striking out two and walking one.
Gary Sanchez, who has been scuffling mightily during the early part of the season, finally hit his first home run of the season in the seventh inning. His two-run opposite-field home run off of Nick Pivetta just barely cleared the fence, but it was enough to pull the Yankees back within a run at 5-4.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Giancarlo Stanton looped a double to right field. Later in the inning with Stanton at third and two outs, the Yankees brought Aaron Judge in as a pinch-hitter. But Hector Neris was able to strike Judge out on splitter to end the threat.
In the ninth, the Yankees put runners on first and second with two outs, but Luke Voit flew out to the warning track to end the game.
The Yankees will head to Tampa Bay next for four games with the Rays in three days, including a Saturday doubleheader. Masahiro Tanaka will make his second start for the Yankees on Friday against former Cy Young winner Blake Snell. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:40 PM.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].