The Yanks lost to the Rays 3-2 in thirteen innings today, and #13 was el-stinko, going hitless in six at bats, striking out four times and ending the game as the winning run by grounding into a double play. Egads, lock that game in a box and drown it. Alex… he’s come a long way, but he ain’t there yet.
They had chances to win with a base hit in the 10th and 12th, but Didi Gregorius kept finding himself holding the bat in those spots and I’m not 100% certain he knows how to use that thing. Oh well, the Rays weren’t going to lose every game they play against the Yanks this season.
The Yankee bullpen, reprising it’s ongoing Winston Wolf impersonation, backed up a good-not-great Pineda with 7.3 spectacular innings. They struck out seven, and allowed only five baserunners (four of those in the last two innings by Shreve, one of which was an intentional walk). And the bullpen took the loss. Tough luck.
So the Yanks are stuck on thirteen wins, but still in first place for at least another day. Boston is only one game behind and that’s who’s on deck. Another series win would be sweet.
To carry over, why in hell have Brett Gardner pinch run if he isn't going to steal? Grrrr.
[1] Boy that ain't the first time we've seen that. Kid is blazing fast - but just doesn't have killer base stealing instincts. Maybe he can't read pitchers well.
[2] Which is to say, he's got the part you can't teach, and they aren't bothering to teach him the part you can teach.
I think Scooter came to spring training to teach bunting into his 60s. To get Gardner's head right about reading pitchers, the Yankees wouldn't have to go back that far today.
Don't you think Willie Randolph or Rickey Henderson or (just-retired) Juan Pierre would accept a check and a plane ticket to hang around and play schoolmaster for a few days?
You know who else could (and already should have) tipped Gritner to some wisdom on the subject? The late departed shortstop.
Speed is a terrible thing to waste. Take it from one who ain't got none.
If Gardner hasn't figured it out by now I don't think it's in thw cards. Imo.
[3] Well and duly said, Sir.