When the New York Yankees (80-59) won a hard-fought extra-innings comeback triumph over their hometown Boston Red Sox at the end of July, momentum appeared to shift back in their favour. They immediately swept the Philadelphia Phillies and finally recovered the American League’s best record. However, missed opportunities remain a problem for this club.
In August, the Yankees lost series against the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as an ugly 12-2 loss to a Chicago White Sox team that will almost probably have the worst record in MLB history. During these mistakes, as is the case anytime New York is moving in the wrong direction, manager Aaron Boone has enraged a fan base that is becoming increasingly restless with each passing game.
People continue to criticize the former playoff hero, with many utilizing the expletive-laden nickname given to him by Red Sox Nation in 2003 to identify him now. The adulation he received for that famous walk-off home run is evaporating as The Bronx sharpens its pitch forks. Following Tuesday’s postgame comments, the irate mob gathered again.
A 4-1 lead over the Texas Rangers evaporated in the eighth and ninth innings, resulting in a surprising 7-4 loss after a walk-off grand slam by rookie Wyatt Langford. Yankees fans will want to ignore the terrible but familiar elements that made up this Arlington nightmare.
Clay Holmes removed the first batter but then gave up a hit and two walks. A visit to the mound did not help the shaken right-hander, which gave way to Langford’s 407-foot homer. The collapse was Holmes’ 11th failed save of the season, the worst in the MLB.
Boone attempted to find a silver lining amidst the scuffles, but fans weren’t having it.
Aaron Boone riles up crowd after Yankees loss
“I don’t feel he’s had a lot of those stretches this year {where he’s struggled mechanically},” the seventh-year skipper told Talkin’ Yanks. “They caught him tonight. Many of our losses have been due to soft contact. However, such was not the case tonight. We need to make sure he’s okay.”
Aaron Boone did remark that the team will debate its ninth-inning possibilities in the future, but patience has already run out. Despite not referring to Holmes’ most recent mishap, the “soft contact” phrase has sparked controversy once more.
“He’s literally blown 11 saves,” one perplexed fan wrote on X (previously Twitter). “What is he watching?” There are many naysayers. “This is why Aaron Boone should not be the manager of any team…” “No feel for the game,” another observed.
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