Coming off a road trip that prompted manager Aaron Boone to express his desire to see more crisp play in almost every area, the Yankees’ fifth-inning display served as a microcosm of precisely what must improve—and in a hurry.
A Gio Urshela fielding error and an errant Rougned Odor throw extended a four-run rally as the Rays pulled away, dealing the Yankees an 8-2 defeat on Friday evening at Yankee Stadium. The Bombers’ bats were ice cold as well, managing only one hit through six innings against starter Michael Wacha.
Serving as the Yanks’ opener, Nick Nelson permitted two runs in a 30-pitch first inning before yielding to Michael King, who navigated three walks in three scoreless frames.