The Yankees suffered a second-straight shutout in Monday's 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Here are the takeaways...
- The good news for the Yankees -- and there hasn't been much of it in recent weeks -- is Gerrit Cole has performed well in his second consecutive outing. The Yanks ace threw six strong innings allowing one run -- we'll get to that in a little -- while striking out six. If the Bombers are going anywhere in October, Cole will have to be as dominant as he's been in his last two outings.
- The difference in this game, for most of the night, was Aaron Hicks -- and not in a positive manner. In the top of the fourth, David Peralta put a decent charge into one to center field. Hicks turned two or three different directions before jumping at the ball and allowing it to fall over his head. It went into the books as a leadoff triple even though it appeared that Hicks should have made the play. Isaac Paredes then singled in Peralta to give the Rays a 1-0 which would be all they need.
- The Bombers bats still have yet to be found. The Yanks did not have many opportunities to score as that has been the common theme during their struggles. Aaron Judge grounded into two double plays after two Gleyber Torres singles. Their only real opportunity to score was when the bases were loaded with one out in the bottom of the fourth for Hicks. The center fielder softly grounded back to the pitcher hitting into a 1-2-3 double play.
- The bullpen, for the most part, was solid. Jonathan Loaisiga gave a strong 1.1 frames. Wandy Peralta got into some trouble in the ninth and would end up being charged a couple of runs due to Lou Trivino getting touched up in the top of the ninth. The Yanks would ultimately fall 4-0 to the Rays.
What's next
The Yankees and Rays continue their three-game set Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Nestor Cortes Jr. and Corey Kluber are the probable starters for the 7:05 p.m. start in the Bronx.