The New York Yankees’ offensive struggles continued Saturday afternoon, while a series of costly defensive mistakes made matters worse in a 6-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.
New York managed little against Boston starter Jake Bennett and the Red Sox bullpen, failing to score while being held to just five hits. The Yankees also committed several mistakes in the field that helped Boston pull away.
Carlos Rodón made his third start since returning from the injured list after dealing with elbow inflammation. The left-hander allowed two earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out five over 4.2 innings, throwing 88 pitches.
Boston took an early lead when Wilyer Abreu launched a solo home run in the first inning. Rodón limited the damage afterward, but the Yankees’ defense created additional trouble in the fourth.
Amed Rosario was thrown out at home after trying to score from first when Ceddanne Rafaela misplayed a fly ball from Heliot Ramos in center field. Rosario initially held near second before attempting to advance, but Boston’s relay throw from Nick Sogard beat him to the plate by several feet.
The Red Sox added another run in the fifth after Rosario made a throwing error while attempting to double off Adley Rutschman. An infield single followed, and Ali Sánchez was charged with a passed ball that allowed Rutschman to score.
Boston then broke the game open with four runs in the ninth. A shallow fly ball dropped between George Lombard Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham, while Cody Bellinger slipped on another play. Ryan Yarbrough also allowed a run on a wild pitch.
The loss trimmed the Yankees’ lead over Boston for the American League’s top wild-card spot to two games.
Game 2 is set for 7:15 p.m., with Max Fried set to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.