Yankees fans validated after Tyrone Taylor's comments out Austin Wells, David Bednar

When David Bednar surrendered the game-tying three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth against the Mets on Sunday, almost every Yankees fan had the same reaction. To Tyrone Taylor? Who is hitting .188 and slugging .325 this year?

More importantly, why was Bednar throwing his curveball on the first pitch of the at-bat? That was the most obvious offering Taylor would be sitting on as the Mets' last hope with two outs.

Not to mention, Bednar's curveball has been his worst pitch this year! Opponents are hitting .412 with a .765 slugging percentage against it. It turns out the Mets were all over that, too. After the game, Taylor was forthcoming with his approach, claiming the Mets' scouting report instructed him to sit on Bednar's curveball.

Wells called for the pitch, which was obviously the wrong decision. Bednar didn't shake him off, despite getting Juan Soto to ground out on a splitter and striking out Mark Vientos with three fastballs. In the end, it came down to location. Bednar couldn't hang the curve where he did. But knowing Taylor was going to sell out and be aggressive, it was outrageous to both select the worst possible pitch and worst possible location.

Austin Wells, David Bednar tag-teamed worst Yankees loss of the 2026 season

The Mets were scouting Bednar in real time with how he was pitching to the previous hitters. He went fastball-fastball-fastball-curveball-fastball to Carson Benge, fastball to Bo Bichette, splitter-splitter-fastball-splitter-splitter to Soto, and then curveball-curveball-fastball to Vientos. Perhaps it was process of elimination for the Mets or just pure luck, but they knew what everybody else was thinking at home.

Fans sitting on the couch understand that's a high-pressure situation and it's not easy. But they also know the answer is to challenge a bad hitter with your best stuff. Taylor cannot be bailed out with the worst possible offering. The Mets were playing a numbers game. They needed a homer down three runs. It was unlikely they were going to rally with multiple extra-base hits to tie the game.

Bednar was honest about the mistake. He knew it couldn't be made. But it's also Wells' job to keep the pitching staff on track. You cannot fall asleep when the worst hitter in the opposing lineup is coming up representing the tying run.

But that's exactly what happened. The Yankees collectively fell asleep at the wheel, didn't capitalize on countless situations, are losers of seven of their last nine, and are facing early trade deadline questions. The power of a win on Sunday would've prevented so much from spiraling.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow