The New York Yankees faced a tough loss against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night at Coors Field, falling 3-2 in a game that highlighted their struggles against a team with one of the worst starts in MLB history. The Rockies, who had been struggling with an 8-42 record, managed to pull off the upset in front of a sellout crowd of 47,211 fans.
The Yankees came into the game riding a four-game winning streak, having won 11 of their last 14 games. In contrast, the Rockies were on a five-game losing streak and had lost 17 of their last 19. The Yankees initially took the lead when Aaron Judge scored on Paul Goldschmidt’s triple in the first inning. However, the Rockies quickly responded, tying the game and eventually taking the lead.
Clarke Schmidt started for the Yankees, but he struggled, allowing three runs over 4 ⅔ innings. Despite recording eight strikeouts, he found it challenging to pitch effectively at the high altitude of Denver. Schmidt noted that the altitude affected his sinker, forcing him to rely more on his cutter and sweeper.
The turning point came in the fifth inning when Schmidt was replaced by Tim Hill after two quick outs. Hill faced Ryan McMahon, who hit a two-run double that put the Rockies ahead 3-2. This was a significant moment, as no other left-handed hitter had managed to get an extra-base hit against Hill all season.
The Yankees had a chance to rally but could not capitalize on their opportunities. After Judge’s home run in the fifth, they only managed two base runners for the rest of the game, both of whom walked. Manager Aaron Boone expressed disappointment, noting that the team did not get the big hits needed to change the game’s momentum.
Despite the loss, Judge’s performance stood out. He went 2-for-4 and hit his 17th home run of the season, showcasing his continued offensive prowess. However, the Yankees’ inability to produce runs in crucial moments ultimately cost them the game.
This loss marks a significant setback for the Yankees, who are expected to perform better against a struggling team like the Rockies. Boone and the players will need to regroup as they prepare for the remainder of the series, hoping to bounce back and regain their winning form.