The Yankees fell behind 8–2 at Fenway Park, perhaps the most hostile environment for the pinstripes to close out a season in. The Yankees ultimately lost Sunday’s game 8–4, finishing with a record of 95–67 while the Rays delivered a come-from-behind 3–2 win in the 12th inning against the Royals to finish the season 95–66 with the AL East pennant.
Still, New York found some solace in the loss. They still have the wild card after all.
“In New York, you’re expected to make the playoffs, but it’s only Step 1,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “We all know what the goal is. The goal is not to win the division. The goal is to win the whole thing.”
Boston Blitz
John Lackey (14–11) ended up pitching for 7.2 for the Red Sox innings and struck out 10 Yankees in a fine effort.
J.D. Drew put the Sox on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer, driving in Jed Lowrie who was walked previously by Yankees starting pitcher Dustin Moseley (4–4).
Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher answered with a homer of his own in the top of the second, and then Alex Rodriguez hit a line drive single to center field in the top of the third to send Mark Teixeira home for the 2–2 tying run.
But then the Red Sox pulled away, starting with Lowrie’s two-run homer to right field in the bottom of the fifth.
The Yankees were unable to handle the speedy Red Sox who stole four bases.
David Ortiz got the offense started with a perfectly placed bunt to make it to first, and was replaced with pinch runner Josh Reddick. It was the last play for Ortiz this season—and possibly his last appearance in a Red Sox uniform—and “Big Papi” got a loud cheer from the crowd.
Yankees reliever Royce Ring was replaced by David Robertson who threw a wild pitch allowing Reddick to reach second base easily.
Then Robertson walked Bill Hall and Ryan Kalish hit a line drive single to center field to send Reddick in and put Hall on second.
Hall and Kalish followed that play by simultaneously stealing second and third to the delight of Red Sox fans, and Robertson intentionally walked Daniel Nava to load the bases with one out.
Robertson was sent packing for Boone Logan. Lars Anderson hit a sacrifice fly off him to give the Sox another run from Hall and put Kalish on third. Kalish then stole home on the next play to put the Sox up 7–2.
Lowrie struck again for the Red Sox in the bottom of the seventh inning with a solo homer to bring the score to 8–2.
The Yankees threatened a comeback in the top of the eighth by loading the bases after Brett Gardner scored a run off a single by Robinson Cano.
But Daniel Bard—who replaced Rich Hill—stared down the threat with Jorge Posada grounding out on a 2–2 count with two outs.
Sunday’s loss means the Yankees will head to Minnesota on Wednesday to face the Twins, who they lead 4–2 in the regular season. The Rays meanwhile will host the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.
The biggest problem the Yankees face now is getting their pitching lineup in order.
Ace CC Sabathia (21–7) is a sure bet. After that, Andy Pettitte (11–3) is back from injury but his recovery is unproven. Phil Hughes (18–8) will probably be heavily relied upon as Javier Vazquez, Mariano Rivera, and A.J. Burnett have all had rough stretches at the end of this season.
