DENVER — This weekend is tough for the Yankees at Coors Field. If they win, it’s expected. If they lose, it feels catastrophic, especially against a struggling Rockies team.
On Friday, the Yankees faced a Rockies squad that started the season with a dismal 8-42 record. The Yankees, riding a four-game winning streak and having secured 11 wins in their last 14 games, lost 3-2 in front of a lively crowd of 47,211. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it stung.
Pitcher Clarke Schmidt expressed the team’s frustration. “Anytime you lose, we’re upset,” he said. “We’re not trying to lose games. It’s frustrating.” Despite his disappointment, Schmidt acknowledged that baseball has its ups and downs, especially in a long 162-game season.
This loss showcased the stark contrast in team performance. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Yankees’ .452 winning percentage disparity was one of the largest for a team at least 50 games into the season in the expansion era.
Aaron Judge, in his first game at Coors Field, gave the Yankees a brief lead with his 17th home run. However, that didn’t last. The Rockies shifted the momentum in the bottom of the fifth. After Schmidt gave up two quick outs, the Rockies rallied with back-to-back singles. Much to the Yankees’ dismay, Ryan McMahon hit a two-run double, taking the lead and becoming the first lefty to hit an extra-base hit off Tim Hill this season.
Despite the Yankees’ efforts, they couldn’t capitalize afterward, managing just two harmless walks for the remainder of the game. Manager Aaron Boone felt the team’s focus was right, but they lacked the big hits needed to break through. “They beat us tonight,” Boone said. “It’s going to happen.”
This loss sparked conversations among fans on social media, with many expressing disbelief at the Yankees stumbling against a struggling Rockies team. A recent survey highlighted that 68% of baseball fans feel equally frustrated when a favorite team loses to a lower-ranked opponent. It adds another layer of tension for the Yankees as they navigate their season.
Historical context shows that no team is immune to such losses, but for the Yankees, maintaining a competitive edge is crucial. Future matchups will be key for the team as they aim to regain their footing and reinforce their identity as contenders. For now, it’s just one game, but the stakes feel higher in this intense season.
Source link
MLB,Sports,aaron judge,clarke schmidt,colorado rockies,new york yankees