The New York Yankees continued their offensive struggles on Wednesday, managing only six hits in a 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The defeat marked the Yankees' 11th loss in their last 13 games, widening their deficit in the AL East to five games.
Despite a quality pitching performance from Gerrit Cole, who allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings, the Yankees' offense failed to provide support. For the first time in three games, the team did not strike out 17 times, recording 11 strikeouts, but their offensive output remained anemic. Only three of their six hits left the infield, and they registered just one hard-hit ball throughout the game.
Paul Goldschmidt, a key hitter in the Yankees lineup, is currently in an 0-for-34 slump and struck out three times on Wednesday. Cody Bellinger went 0-for-4, extending his slump to 8-for-70.
The frustration on the field led to the ejections of manager Aaron Boone and bench coach Brad Ausmus in the sixth inning after a challenged call on a double play. The Yankees had an opportunity to score in the second inning when Jasson Domínguez attempted to score from third on a bunt, but he was thrown out at home.
The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the third inning when Jonathan Aranda hit a single that scored Yandy Díaz, who had doubled. Aranda extended the lead to 2-0 in the fifth with a double that scored Nick Fortes and Díaz.
The Yankees will attempt to salvage a series split on Thursday against Rays' All-Star pitcher Drew Rasmussen.