The New York Yankees' bullpen faltered late in Saturday's game, surrendering a three-run rally in the seventh inning that led to a 5-2 loss against the Chicago Cubs at a windy Wrigley Field. This late-game collapse overshadowed another strong start from pitcher Max Fried, as the Yankees' offense continued its recent struggles.
Despite a solo home run from Spencer Jones in the top of the seventh that gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead, the bullpen could not hold it. Fernando Cruz and Brent Headrick were unable to prevent the Cubs from mounting a comeback in the bottom of the frame.
The Yankees' lineup has been inconsistent, particularly with key players like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined. The team has scored only five runs over its last three games and 13 over its last five. This offensive drought has placed immense pressure on the pitching staff.
During the same five-game stretch, Yankees starters have been highly effective, combining to allow just two runs over 31 1/3 innings. Despite this dominant pitching, the team has only managed two wins in that span.
Against former Mets pitcher David Peterson and three Cubs relievers, the Yankees managed eight hits but stranded seven runners. A critical opportunity to extend their lead in the seventh inning was missed when Paul Goldschmidt popped out with two runners on base and two outs, immediately after Jones' go-ahead home run.
Nico Hoerner tied the game in the bottom of the seventh with a leadoff home run off Cruz. Later in the inning, with the bases loaded, Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a line drive that scored two runs, giving the Cubs a 3-2 lead. Seiya Suzuki then drove in another run with a single. Yovanny Cruz, recently called up from Triple-A, allowed an additional run in the eighth inning.
Fried had snapped a streak of scoreless innings from Yankees starters in the first inning, giving up a run on a wild pitch. However, he settled down to allow only two baserunners over his 5 1/3 innings. He was making his return after a two-month absence due to a left elbow bone bruise and threw 77 pitches. Angel Chivilli entered from the bullpen and walked the first two batters he faced before escaping a jam.