The New York Yankees are one loss away from elimination after another difficult night against the Tampa Bay Rays, falling 5-2 in Game 2 of the American League Division Series Monday night at Tropicana Field.
New York committed four errors while managing only four hits, with both of its runs coming from Ben Rice solo home runs. The Yankees have now recorded just five hits through the first two games of the series, the fewest they have ever produced across the opening two games of a postseason series.
Defensive mistakes immediately put the Yankees in trouble. Ryan McMahon opened the bottom of the first by misplaying a ground ball from Yandy DÃaz. After Jonathan Aranda reached, Jazz Chisholm Jr. threw the ball away while attempting to start a double play, allowing DÃaz to score. Austin Wells was also charged with an error in the ugly frame because of catcher’s interference on what would have been a strikeout.
Rice tied the game in the fourth with his first home run, but Tampa Bay quickly regained control. Aranda singled and Junior Caminero doubled before Liam Hicks brought home the go-ahead run on a ground ball.
Chandler Simpson followed with another grounder that slipped underneath George Lombard Jr.’s glove at shortstop, scoring Caminero and ending Cam Schlittler’s night. Schlittler allowed three runs over 5.1 innings while striking out just two.
The Yankees then committed another error later in the inning. Lombard’s errant throw on a Johnny DeLuca grounder was dropped by Luis GarcÃa Jr., extending the inning before Richie Palacios delivered a two-run single to make it 5-1.
Rice hit his second home run in the eighth inning, but New York could not generate another rally.
The Yankees must win Game 3 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium to extend their season. The first pitch is set for 8 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.