Yankees pitching has given up some early runs the past two days, but there’s no one to blame here besides the offense. Being 4-28 with RISP against the Rays this series is ridiculous, and it shows that the team has been hitting themselves into outs. The last three outs of the innings are just a small example that highlights just what problems this team has, as they stranded bases loaded and nobody out. They get your hopes up, and then kick you in the pants.

Masahiro had a fine outing, despite his messy 1st inning, and the rest of the pitching staff was fine, as the only other run that was given up came due to an Andujar error. Giancarlo Stanton had a couple of nice hits, Didi and Gleyber battled for their hits in the 9th, but in the end this team folded up again. The Rays have a winning record against the Yankees this year, and it’s a shame on The Bronx Bombers.

GOOD

Stanton’s first at-bat (Double). Feels like Giancarlo doesn’t waste his first inning chances very often while batting 2nd.

Higashioka lead-off hit in the 3rd.

Aaron Hicks’ centerfielding.

Hicks showing Neil Walker how to bunt in the 6th. Stealing 2B without a throw was also impressive.

1-2-3 7th inning from The Oriole.

Tommy Kong’s shutout inning.

BAD

Being down 2-0 before the Yankees even come up to bat.

Aaron Boone cowering in his own dugout, and allowing umpires to do whatever they want in the 1st inning.

Snell’s three K’s in the 1st, especially Andujar/Didi being K’d in three pitches each, while Stanton was in scoring position.

Kay’s take on Marlins/Braves HBP.

John Flaherty’s existence.

Wasting 2 on, 1 out, in the 3rd (Stanton/Andujar ground-outs).

Neil Walker’s bunt attempt in the 4th. Michael Kay claimed it was “a good thought”, but it wasn’t. Yankees needed to get Snell’s pitch count up, not give up an out on 1 pitch. Where’s David Cone when you need him?

Leaving Hicks stranded at 2nd in the 6th.

Miguel Andujar’s error on the bunt in the 8th, which led to a run. I, like Kay, thought the runner was in the basepath, but Aaron Boone didn’t seem to mind.

Ryne Stanek reminding me of T.J. Miller every time I see him on the mound.

Kay saying “Gardnerian at-bat”, directly followed by Gardner flying out.

This umpiring crew getting calls wrong at a ridiculous rate.

Blowing the 9th inning bases loaded opportunity, and getting absolutely nothing out of it, other than signs that Greg Bird is replaceable.

YANKEE

Tanaka picking runners off in back-to-back innings, and the second time it was an inning ending pick-off of a runner in scoring position (5th/6th).

Romine PH single in the 8th inning.

Stanton getting himself a multi-hit game, while breaking the shutout, despite the HR not counting.

Didi lead-off hit in the 9th. Gleyber breaking his 0-17 slide with a bloop single. Neil Walker getting the 4-pitch BB, and him showing a lot of energy.

Yankees 3 Stars of the Game

* Masahiro Tanaka (6 IP, 6 K, 2 ER)

** Giancarlo Stanton (2 H, 1 RBI on an injured hammy)

*** Zach Britton (1-2-3 inning, 1 K)