The New York Yankees (7-2) fell 7-6 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium, surrendering a late lead after carrying a 4-3 advantage into the eighth inning.
The Yankees were undone by a four-run eighth, as Fernando Cruz, Jake Bird and Ryan Yarbrough combined to allow the go-ahead runs. Cruz issued a walk before Bird loaded the bases and gave up a two-run double to Graham Pauley. Yarbrough followed by allowing a two-run single that extended the deficit to 7-4.
New York built an early lead behind Ben Rice, who launched a three-run home run in the first inning. The Yankees added another run in the third on a defensive miscue, but missed opportunities throughout the night proved costly, finishing 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 men on base.
Max Fried delivered 6.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four. He worked out of trouble in the sixth with key defensive plays, including a pickoff and a throw from Jose Caballero to cut down a runner at the plate.
Mets blank Blue Jays to even series The Yankees threatened in the ninth. Cody Bellinger and Rice reached base before Jazz Chisholm Jr. delivered a two-run double to cut the deficit to one. With the tying run on second, pinch hitter J.C. Escarra struck out to end the game.
The Yankees continue their homestand Monday against the Detroit Tigers, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.