Yankees Blow Chance At Division Lead In Incredibly Unlucky Fashion

Getty Image / Scott Taetsch

After a blazing star to the season, the New York Yankees have not been good for well over a month now. But, after taking the first two games of a road series against the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles to tie the division, they had a golden opportunity to go into the All-Star Break back in first place, the position they’ve spent most of the first half in.

But, after dramatically taking the lead in the top of the 9th inning, disaster and a little bit of bad luck struck against the Yankees defense, as they gave up three runs in the bottom of the 9th with two errors.

The Bronx Bombers trailed 3-2 heading to the 9th inning, but rookie Ben Rice, who has been hot of late, socked a three-run home run to give the Yankees a lead.

At that point, it would’ve been fair to say that was the biggest swing of the Yankees season so far. But, disaster would strike in the bottom of the 9th.

The Orioles got runners on, and loaded the bases with two outs for Ryan Mountcastle. But, when he hit a grounder to shortstop Anthony Volpe, the game was surely over. That is, until Volpe booted the ball to extend the game and allow a run to score.

Still, as long as Clay Holmes could get Cedric Mullins out, the Yankees would get the win and lead the AL East at the deadline.  Instead, Cedric Mullins lined a ball at left fielder Alex Verdugo, and Verdugo fell down, allowing the ball to drop and the tying and winning runs to come in to score.

That’s how things have been going for the Yankees. On June 14, they were 50-22. Now, they’re 58-40, an 18-8 stretch. This was a crucial series win, but they definitely still need to regroup at the All-Star Break.