Josh Hart Blasts Yankees' Baserunning After Crucial Play in ALDS Loss

New York Knicks star Josh Hart voiced his frustration with the Yankees' baserunning following a critical play in the team's 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. The Yankees managed only one hit in the entire game, and a subsequent baserunning blunder proved costly.

Hart shared his emotional journey throughout the game on social media. He began with optimism, posting "Let’s go Yanks!" and mentioning starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. As the game progressed and the Yankees struggled to get hits against Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen, Hart expressed growing concern, writing, "Please don’t get no hit."

His frustration peaked in the eighth inning when Austin Wells broke up Rasmussen's no-hitter with two outs. However, Wells was thrown out at third base while attempting to stretch a double into a triple. Third base coach Luis Rojas reportedly signaled Wells to stop at second, but the catcher did not see the signal until he had already passed second base and was committed to advancing.

"WHY ARE YOU GOING FOR THIRD??" Hart posted, echoing the sentiment of many Yankees fans. Wells acknowledged the risky decision after the game, stating, "You have to take risks. But in that situation, obviously the risk was wrong."

The Yankees, who swept the Red Sox in the wild-card round, now face an uphill battle in the series. They will look to even the series in Game 2 on Monday, with Cam Schlittler on the mound. Hart, meanwhile, is preparing for the upcoming NBA season with the Knicks, who are looking to defend their league championship.