The Yankees’ pitching struggles continued in September, as their bullpen faltered in Sunday’s game against the Cardinals at Yankee Stadium. Despite an early slugfest that kept the game close until the seventh inning, St. Louis ultimately secured a 14-7 victory.
After Nestor Cortes exited after four innings, the Yankees’ relievers had a rough outing, giving up nine runs (eight earned). The seventh inning was particularly disastrous, with the game tied at 7 before the Cardinals rallied for five runs against two different relievers.
Jake Cousins started the inning but left with runners on base, and Tommy Kahnle was brought in to relieve him. Although Kahnle managed to get one out, he struggled to finish the inning, allowing a single and a bases-clearing double that put St. Louis ahead 10-7. Victor Scott II followed with another double, extending the Cardinals’ lead. Phil Bickford replaced Kahnle, but a throwing error allowed another run to score.
Cortes, who appeared to be regaining form, stumbled in the fourth inning, surrendering four runs, including a two-run homer by Luken Baker. Cortes finished with 80 pitches, giving up five runs on nine hits.
The game marked a disappointing start to the month for the Yankees as they push for the playoffs.
