Chasen Shreve had been almost flawless in his first six relief appearances for the Yankees, allowing only three hits and no runs while providing a formidable bridge to Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller in the eighth and ninth innings.
Even with their offensive malaise of late, getting to Shreve in the seventh has been a crucial marker in the Yankees’ few victories this season.
Tied at 2-2 heading into the seventh inning of Thursday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, Manager Joe Girardi saw a possible win in sight. He once again summoned Shreve from the bullpen, looking to stay afloat with the hope that the lineup could squeeze out one more run as the Yankees tried to win for just the second time in their last eight games.