New York Yankees Recap: Yankees Lose in Extras to Nationals 5-4

The Yankees suffered a tough loss today against the Washington Nationlas to even up their two game mini series. The Yankees blew the lead in the 8th and then lost the game in the 11th by the score of 5-4 . The loss snapped a seven game winning streak for the Yankees. Nathan Eovaldi was able to go seven plus innings of excellent baseball, giving up just 3 runs, but in the end he received a no decision.

Nathan Eovaldi’s only real trouble in the afternoon came when there were 2 outs in the top of the third with when he gave up back to back doubles to Danny Espinosa, and to the lead off hitter Denard Span. Then in the top of the fifth with two outs again, Danny Espinosa hit a solo shot that gave the Nationals a 2-0 lead.

The Yankees bats finally woke up in the bottom of the seventh when Chris Young led off with a base hit, and then Brendan Ryan, who was activated off the DL today, hit a triple over the center fielder to bring in the first run of the game. That triple took National’s starter, Gio Gonzalez, out of the game finishing his day with 6 1/3 innings pitched, giving up two earned runs.

Brett Gardner continues to be in the right spot at the right time as he doubles off the Nationals reliever, Felipe Rivero, to tie the game at 2. Then the great Alex Rodriguez inches closer and closer to 3,000 hits with a double in the bottom of the seventh with 2 outs in the inning. That hit gave the Yankees the lead 3-2 and A-Rod is now 8 hits shy of 3,000. The rally continued with runners on first and second Brian McCann hit a seeing eye single off the second base bag that went into the outfield scoring A-Rod and making the game 4-2.

In the top of the 8th inning Eovaldi came out to pitch, and gave up a hit. Then Joe Girardi went to the bullpen, and instead of going to Dellin Betances, they made the call to the bullpen for Jacob Lindgren. Then with two outs Lindgren gave up a two run home run to Michael Taylor to tie the game at 4-4.

In the top of the 11th the Nationals played small ball against Yankee reliever Chris Capuano, and Denard Span was able to get his second RBI of the game with an infield single. That was the final blow and the Yankees could not come back and they lose 5-4 in extra innings.

This loss I blame on the Yankees manager Joe Girardi. He over managed the game, with all his substitution. He also did not use Betances or Andrew Miller , who was just placed on the 15-day DL immediately following today’s game. Both used in a non save situation in yesterdays game.

In activating Brendan Ryan off the DL today the Yankees had to send down Ramon Flores to make room for the back up middle infielder. I do not understand this move at all, with the Yankees already having a back up middle infielder in Jose Pirela. Flores really helped this team in the outfield, and it will be very interesting to see what the Yankees do with one less outfielder going forward.

The Yankees are off on Thursday, before they return to action on Friday. The Yankees will be in Camden Yards on Friday at 7:05 to take on the Baltimore Orioles, where Michael Pineda is back on the mound after skipping a start for the starter.

New York Yankees Recap: Yankees Lose in Extras to Nationals 5-4

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