Playing without Aaron Judge for a second straight game, the New York Yankees dropped a 5-4 decision to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. Cleveland improved to 36-27 with the victory, while New York fell to 36-25 and slipped one game behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East race.
The Yankees struggled to generate consistent offense against Guardians starter Gavin Williams, who limited New York to two runs over 5.1 innings while striking out six. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and José Caballero provided the only damage against Williams, each connecting for a solo home run.
Gerrit Cole entered the night without allowing an earned run in his first two starts since returning from injury, but Cleveland finally broke through. The right-hander surrendered four earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings, with all four runs coming via three home runs. Cole struck out two before turning the game over to Fernando Cruz, who retired all four batters he faced and recorded three strikeouts to keep the Yankees within striking distance.
The Guardians added an important insurance run in the eighth against Tim Hill, extending their lead to 5-3. That extra run proved valuable when Paul Goldschmidt doubled to begin the ninth inning and eventually scored to bring New York within one.
However, Cleveland closer Cade Smith shut the door on the comeback attempt, retiring the heart of the Yankees lineup to earn his 21st save. José RamÃrez paced the Guardians offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run and continuing another standout season.
The Yankees conclude their three-game series against Cleveland on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. Carlos Rodón (3.32 ERA) is expected to start for New York against Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi (5.25 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].