For six innings, the Yankees held firm in a key duel against the Detroit Tigers, leaders of the American League Central Division. With a 2-0 lead, it seemed that the New York pitching could hold the result. But disaster struck in the top of the seventh inning, when the bullpen allowed nine runs without recording a single out, completely changing the course of the game.
It all started with Fernando Cruz, who allowed a ground-rule double, walked two batters in a row and gave up an RBI single to Parker Meadows. Then another walk brought in another run. Boone pulled him with the score 4-2, but what came next was even worse. Mark Leiter Jr. compounded the situation by allowing runs on a hit-by-pitch, a walk and a double by Kerry Carpenter. In a matter of minutes the score changed dramatically to 11-2.
Aaron Boone praises bullpen after loss: “It happens, but we still believe”
Despite the apparent collapse, Aaron Boone publicly maintained his support for his relievers. Speaking to NJ.com, the manager said:
My confidence in the bullpen is still good. Cruz has been great. It happens
Boone also mentioned that he expects more consistency from certain arms, but without neglecting the work done during the season:
I think we need Leiter to be more present in some of these situations. We have the guys there to do it. We just have to get in sync
These words seek to keep morale high, but among fans and analysts there are already doubts about the bullpen’s ability to hold close games in the final stretch towards the playoffs.
A worrying relief: New York’s costly statistics and errors
Beyond Boone’s good intentions, the numbers don’t lie, in the seventh inning, the Yankees allowed:
- 2 doubles
- 4 walks
- 1 hit
- 1 wild pitch
- 9 races in total
- 0 outs recorded before the first pitching change
Even Tim Hill, who came in to put out the fire, allowed Leiter’s last inherited runner to score. It was a nightmare inning at the worst time, considering the Yankees are still fighting for a postseason berth.
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