The New York Yankees suffered a gut-wrenching 6-5 defeat in 12 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, squandering a late lead due to a rare lapse from their typically reliable bullpen.
In a game that saw both teams trade blows, the Yankees' relief corps, which had been a consistent strength, faltered in crucial moments. With five days remaining until the trade deadline, an overworked group allowed the White Sox to rally. Paul Blackburn surrendered a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning, erasing a three-run advantage.
The final blow came in the 12th inning when Ryan Yarbrough, the fifth Yankees reliever of the night, gave up a walk-off single to Edgar Quero, securing the win for Chicago.
The Yankees, now 1-7 in extra-inning games this season, fell 2 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East. Their offense struggled to extend leads throughout the game, forcing the bullpen to shoulder a heavy workload.
Several key relievers were unavailable for the Yankees due to recent usage. David Bednar, Brent Headrick, and Angel Chivilli were deemed out due to throwing on consecutive days, with Bednar having pitched in four of the last five. Anthony Volpe had provided a brief lead in the top of the 11th with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly.
Cam Schlittler delivered a strong performance, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing just one run with eight strikeouts. He carried a one-hit shutout into the seventh before issuing a walk, hitting a batter, and allowing an RBI double. Fernando Cruz entered in relief and stranded both runners, continuing his season-long success in inherited runner situations.
Spencer Jones ignited the Yankees' offense early, belting a three-run homer in the first inning to give New York a 4-0 lead. However, the Yankees failed to capitalize on opportunities to add to their advantage in the sixth and seventh innings, leaving runners stranded in scoring position.
The White Sox, who improved to 56-51, staged their comeback in the eighth. After Cruz gave up a leadoff double, Blackburn entered and allowed Sam Antonacci's game-tying two-run homer. Munetaka Murakami followed with a solo shot to complete the rally.
In the top of the 12th, the Yankees loaded the bases with one out but failed to score as Ben Rice struck out and Ali Sánchez grounded out. The White Sox then capitalized on their chance, advancing the automatic runner to third with a sacrifice bunt before Quero's game-winning single.