The Yankees’ bullpen was unable to protect multiple leads Tuesday night, allowing six runs in a 9-7 loss to the Houston Astros as New York dropped the opener of its three-game series.
The defeat left the Yankees 3.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East, while the Boston Red Sox moved within 1.5 games of New York following their win earlier in the evening.
Cody Bellinger provided an early spark in his second game back from the injured list. The outfielder launched a three-run home run in the third inning to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead, snapping a 32-game homerless stretch dating back to June 17.
Luis Garcia Jr. also had a big night at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two runs batted in and finishing a triple short of the cycle. He hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to put New York back in front and later delivered a run-scoring double in the seventh.
Will Warren battled through five innings but could not provide the Yankees with much length. He threw 97 pitches, allowing three runs, two earned, on seven hits and two walks while striking out four.
The bullpen struggled to hold the advantage after Warren departed. Fernando Cruz surrendered a two-run home run to Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning, tying the game at 5-5.
The Yankees regained the lead, but Brent Headrick allowed a solo homer to Yainer Diaz in the eighth before Yordan Alvarez delivered a go-ahead triple. Isaac Paredes followed with a run-scoring single to extend Houston’s lead.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. drove in a run in the eighth to pull New York within one, but Bradley Hanner surrendered an insurance run in the ninth.
George Lombard Jr. also committed his fourth throwing error in four games during the first inning.
The Yankees and Astros continue their series Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Elmer Rodriguez is expected to start for New York against Houston’s Pete Lambert.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.