The New York Yankees' offensive struggles persisted on Saturday, as they fell to the Boston Red Sox 4-1 for their third consecutive loss. The Yankees managed only three hits for the second game in a row, continuing a recent slump that has seen them drop seven of their last 10 contests.
This latest defeat, occurring at a sold-out Fenway Park, highlights the team's growing reliance on injured stars. With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, and Trent Grisham also on the injured list, the Yankees' lineup has looked anemic. Grisham is expected to return within the week, but Judge and Stanton's absences are keenly felt.
Starter Gerrit Cole struggled for the second consecutive outing, allowing four runs on seven hits, including two solo home runs. Masataka Yoshida hit one in the first inning, and former Yankees prospect Anthony Seigler added another in the second.
The Yankees' offensive woes have been particularly pronounced against left-handed pitchers, a trend that continued against Boston's Jake Bennett. After starting the season 18-6 against lefties, they have now lost five of their last six such matchups. Over the first three games of the current series, the Yankees have hit just .149 (14-for-94) with eight walks.
Key hitters have also faltered. Ben Rice went 0-for-4 on Saturday, extending his hitless streak to 2-for-23 over his last six games. Cody Bellinger singled in his first at-bat, improving his recent performance to 2-for-19 over his last six games, but could not spark a rally.
The Yankees' best chance to rally came in the seventh inning when Amed Rosario and Bellinger hit consecutive singles. However, Red Sox pitcher Jake Bennett struck out Jasson Domínguez, and reliever Justin Slaten then ended the threat by striking out José Caballero and pinch-hitter Jazz Chisholm Jr.
The Yankees will aim to avoid a four-game sweep against the Red Sox on Sunday night.