The New York Yankees’ struggles this season have been on full display, failing to reach the lofty expectations many had for them this year. And they may have just reached a new low after a brutal ninth-inning meltdown against the Miami Marlins.
Yankees starter Gerrit Cole did his job in his start, leaving after six innings while only allowing two runs. The Yankees offense was great early on in the game as well, scoring seven runs through six innings.
Just about everything was going to plan up until Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes came into the game. And things went drastically downhill once he did.
He loaded the bases in the Marlins first four batters of the inning, and nearly got out of trouble on a ground ball that came back to him. Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle the ground ball, and proceeded to make things worse by throwing the ball wide of the first baseman.
This one ain't over yet 😤@Marlins | #MakeItMiami pic.twitter.com/51j82eg8Sw
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) August 13, 2023
Two runs scored on this play, with Marlins star Luis Arraez coming up to the plate next. Like Arraez has done all season, he came through with the biggest hit of the game, lacing a triple down the right field line to tie the game.
THE MARLINS HAVE TIED THE GAME
THE MARLINS HAVE TIED THE GAMEWatch ➡️ https://t.co/sUmUOSa8X6@Marlins | #MakeItMiami pic.twitter.com/Xu2uWHip2n
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) August 13, 2023
Holmes was then pulled from the game for Tommy Kahnle after his dismal performance, but the Yankees were obviously not out of danger.
Marlins third baseman Jake Burger would then go on to put the final nail in the coffin for the Yankees with a single to left field.
"A brutal, gut-wrenching loss for the New York Yankees, as the Marlins win 8-7. Improbable, unbelievable, inconceivable, and absolutely devastating."- Michael Kay
"You can't make this up… This is a terrible loss for the New York Yankees."- Paul O'Neill ⚾️🎙️ pic.twitter.com/BbyqJI4j7w
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 13, 2023
It doesn’t get much worse then blowing a four-run lead in the ninth inning, and fans ripped the Yankees for their latest brutal meltdown.
The Yankees were up 7-3 in the 9th inning
They lost 8-7. This is what a Last Place Team looks like @StoolBaseball pic.twitter.com/S8fxB69MXa
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 13, 2023
Some notable Gerrit Cole starts this season and the final score:
6 IP, 0 ER vs TOR – 3-0 L
6 IP, 2 ER vs BOS – 3-2 L
6 IP, 1 ER vs NYM – 4-3 L
6 IP, 2 ER vs STL – 5-1 L
6 IP, 1 ER vs COL – 8-7 L
7 IP, 0 ER vs BAL – 1-0 L
6 IP, 2 ER vs MIA – 8-7 L pic.twitter.com/S5MEQWnzh4— YankeesMuse (@YankeesMuse) August 13, 2023
The Yankees were winning 7-3 going into the bottom of the 9th. Just time to shut it down. pic.twitter.com/prMUWeCY0j
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) August 13, 2023
The Marlins just ended the Yankees season pic.twitter.com/kQde6SvAEz
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 13, 2023
JAKE BURGER JUST ENDED THE YANKEES SEASON pic.twitter.com/3EA09b1JNx
— Ryan (@MarlinsRyan) August 13, 2023
OH WOW… 😳
The Yankees give up FIVE runs in the bottom of the 9th allowing the Marlins to complete the comeback!
(via @BallySportsFL) pic.twitter.com/XMCRnda3Kx
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 13, 2023
This loss puts the Yankees to just two games above .500 with a 60-58 record. And it seems clear that any postseason chances for them are dwindling quickly.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.