In a tale of contrasting fortunes, New York Yankees reliever Victor Gonzalez, who made a highlight-reel play in Sunday’s victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, faltered in the ninth inning of Monday’s Passover day game against the Oakland Athletics. With the game scoreless, Gonzalez allowed an infield single to Abraham Toro and then surrendered a two-run homer to Zack Gelof. The Athletics, who had been no-hit through the first eight innings, pulled off the upset victory, while the Yankees suffered their fourth shutout of the season.
Carlos Rodon had a strong start for the Yankees, allowing just one hit over seven shutout innings. However, the Athletics’ JP Sears matched Rodon’s performance, throwing three-hit shutout over six innings with seven strikeouts. The Yankees’ only real threat against Sears came in the fifth inning when Alex Verdugo and Jose Trevino singled, but Oswaldo Cabrera grounded out to end the inning.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected from the game in the first inning after arguing with home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. The ejection came after a fan behind the first-base dugout yelled at Wendelstedt. Boone went on a tirade on the field before handing his lineup card to bench coach Brad Ausmus.
At the plate, Aaron Judge continued to struggle, going 1-for-5 with two strikeouts and a double-play groundball. He’s now 3-for-28 in his last seven games and batting .174 for the season. Gleyber Torres also had a rough night, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
The Yankees will look to rebound on Tuesday when they host the Athletics again at 7:05 p.m. RHP Paul Blackburn will start for Oakland against RHP Marcus Stroman for New York.
