When it rains, it pours. Ask any New York Yankees supporter right now and they will testify.
The Bronx Bombers lost again on Saturday, falling 5-2 to the Toronto Blue Jays and subsequently dropping the series. It was their sixth consecutive series loss.
As a result of so many recent losses, it seems Aaron Boone’s side has forgotten what it feels like to lead a game.
The Yankees went ahead for the first time in a week when Estevan Florial’s RBI single made it 1-0 in the bottom of the second. That lead lasted only two innings before reality struck again like a proverbial bolt of lightning.
Gerrit Cole had a night to forget after the Blue Jays hit him for four runs in the fifth inning. Both Jackie Bradley Jr. and Alejandro Kirk scored two-run doubles to make it 4-1.
Gleyber Torres’ homer in the eighth gave the Yankees a glimmer of hope too little, too late. Matt Chapman’s solo home run in the ninth rubber stamped the 5-2 scoreline.
The New York Yankees were once on course to break the 2001 Seattle Mariners’ MLB record for most wins in a single season. As things stand today, they won’t even reach 100 wins.
Remember when we were saying that the Yankees had ample breathing space due to their gargantuan first-half record? Well, not anymore. Their lead at the top of the American League East has shrunk to seven games.
To put into perspective how fast their advantage is evaporating, here’s a point of reference. The second-placed Blue Jays were trailing the Yankees by 16.5 games on July 10. Fast forward to August 20, and that deficit is now seven.
Aaron Boone smacks table at post-game presser following New York Yankees’ 5-2 defeat
One man who is currently under immense pressure and stress is Aaron Boone. Following the 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays, the New York Yankees skipper lost his cool.
While addressing their latest embarrassment to the media, Boone smacked the conference table.
"And the great thing is, it's right in front of us. It's right here, and we can fix it. It's there, and we can run away with this thing. We've got the dudes in there to do it." - Aaron Boone
The New York Yankees have another game against the Blue Jays to take care of on Sunday. They will then turn their attention to city rivals, the New York Mets, when the Subway Series gets underway on Monday.