The New York Yankees dropped the rubber game against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, falling by a score of 4-3. It was a brutal loss, especially after ace Gerrit Cole kicked things off with an absolutely wild start that had Petco Park buzzing right from the jump.
Cole’s Three-Homer Opener Had Fans Stunned
You ever seen a start like this? Cole came out and allowed back-to-back-to-back home runs to the first three batters of the game! Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth, and Manny Machado all went deep, giving the Padres a shocking 3-0 lead in a blink. Seriously, Petco Park went absolutely bonkers. Cole actually settled down for a bit after that initial onslaught, only giving up two singles until the seventh inning. But then, the long ball reared its ugly head again. Luis Campusano rocketed one to left-center field, San Diego’s fourth homer off Cole, extending their lead to 4-0. The right-hander managed to retire the next three hitters, finishing seven innings, but that was only the third time he’s gone that deep this season. Three of the four home runs Cole allowed came on his four-seam fastball, and he’s now given up a whopping 17 home runs in 111 innings across 19 starts this season. That’s just not gonna cut it for an ace.
A Glimmer, Then The Door Slammed Shut
Campusano’s fourth homer of the game proved to be absolutely pivotal, man. New York’s offense had been completely shut out for the first seven innings, getting blanked by former Yankee Michael King, who tossed six solid frames, and Bradgley Rodriguez, who added a one-inning, two-strikeout performance. But the Yankees finally showed some life in the eighth inning, pushing across three runs to get back into it. Spencer Jones got them on the board with an RBI double, continuing to impress. Then, pinch-hitter Amed Rosario drove in two more with a single. The Padres’ pitcher Adrian Morejon threw the ball away on his toss to first, letting both runners score and cutting New York’s deficit to 4-3. Talk about a crazy turn of events! But then, the Yanks ran themselves right out of the inning when pinch-runner Jose Caballero was thrown out at second trying to swipe the bag. They challenged the call, but it stood. Jasson Dominguez ended the inning with a lineout. Facing closer Mason Miller in the ninth, New York got the tying run on base after Austin Wells walked, but Miller locked it down, striking out Ben Rice to end the game and earn his 33rd save of the year, bagging three K’s in that frame alone. Ugh.
What’s Next
The Yankees get a day off Monday to regroup after that wild one. They’ll be back in action on Tuesday night, kicking off a six-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with RHP Cam Schlittler (12-6, 2.04 ERA) going up against RHP Gabriel Hughes (0-6, 6.19 ERA). They seriously need to bounce back after a game like that.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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