Yankees' Bullpen Woes Cost Them in Extra-Innings Loss to Brewers

In a high-scoring affair at American Family Field, the New York Yankees found themselves on the wrong end of a 7-6 scoreline against the Milwaukee Brewers after 11 grueling innings. Despite receiving offensive firepower from the likes of Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham, the Yankees’ bullpen ultimately let them down in the late stages of the game.

The Yankees had their reliable closer, Clay Holmes, at their disposal for the ninth inning. However, manager Aaron Boone made the decision to rest Holmes after he had already pitched in 13 of the team’s 27 games, opting instead for a lesser-known arm in Michael Tonkin.

Tonkin, a 34-year-old journeyman right-hander, was making his Yankees debut after being claimed off waivers from the Mets just a day earlier. Thrust into a high-leverage situation, Tonkin’s inexperience with his new club proved costly.

“It’s definitely a tough spot to go in,” Boone admitted after the game, acknowledging the challenging circumstances Tonkin faced.

After a passed ball advanced the automatic runner to third base, Willy Adames laced a run-scoring hit off Tonkin to tie the game at 6-6 in the 10th inning. Although Tonkin managed to retire the next three batters, the damage had been done, and the Yankees’ offense couldn’t capitalize in the 11th.

The late stumbles spoiled an otherwise impressive offensive display from the Yankees’ lineup. Soto got things started with his team-leading seventh home run in the first inning, while Verdugo and Grisham also went deep, with the latter’s three-run shot marking his first hit with the club.

“You know that you want that first one,” Grisham said, relieved to have finally gotten on the board with his new team.

Despite the offensive outburst, the Yankees’ pitching staff couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain. Starter Luis Gil was tagged for five runs and six hits over five-plus innings, including two home runs from the Brewers’ Joey Ortiz and Blake Perkins.

Ultimately, it was Ortiz who delivered the final blow, driving in the winning run with a single off Tonkin in the 11th inning.

While the loss stings for the Yankees, their primary concern moving forward will be finding a way to solidify their bullpen behind Holmes. With injuries and attrition taking their toll, the team’s relief corps has been stretched thin, forcing Boone to make difficult decisions in high-leverage situations.

As the season progresses, the Yankees will need to address their bullpen woes if they hope to contend in the competitive American League East. For now, however, they’ll have to lick their wounds and prepare for the next challenge, knowing that games like these could prove costly in the long run.