Yankees’ bullpen, defense melt down late to ruin Gerrit Cole’s comeback masterpiece
Cole gave the Yankees six scoreless frames, but almost everyone else around him had a rough day, leading to a blown lead.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees looks on after pitching during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 22, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images If this is how the Yankees put together a “Welcome Home” party, then count us out on the next invitation. New York dropped their third consecutive game to a division rival on Friday, losing a late 1-0 lead to fall 4-2 to the first-place Rays despite an impressive season debut from their ace, Gerrit Cole.
The Yankees are now 30-22 and trail the Rays in the AL East by 5. 5 games. They will need to return to their winning ways over the weekend if they want to get even somewhat close to the current division leaders, who have already swept them once this year.
The offense will need to be much better, though. After scoring just once in the last two games against the Jays, the Yankees’ lineup didn’t really do much against the Rays in the opener. They did log 11 hits against Nick Martinez and company, but producing with runners in scoring position was a problem, as they finished 2-for-12 in those situations.
Cole was the primary reason why the Yankees were even in the game tonight. He gave his team six strong, scoreless innings in his season debut after spending over a year on the shelf while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He surrendered just two hits, topped out at 98.
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