"I blame Torres" "Clay Holmes is my 9/11" - Yankees fans devastated as team faces disappointing defeat against Mariners following 9th inning blunder
A ninth-inning blunder halted the New York Yankees' hot seven-game winning run after the club, despite having a three-run lead going into the ninth, still ended up being defeated 5-4. This loss resulted in fans taking shots at team closer Clay Holmes, who gave up all four runs, including a go-ahead hit by Ty France.
Despite Marcus Stroman's 7.1 strong innings where he allowed only one run, the Yankees bullpen busted an easy win. Some even blamed Gleyber Torres, who messed up defensively in the clutch.
Fans on the internet can't believe what should have been an easy win resulted in a barrage of hits in the ninth:
"Send Clay Holmes to the Guangdong Tigers," one fan wrote.
"Clay Holmes is my 9/11," another quipped.
"Send Clay Holmes to Mars," one posted.
While the major sentiment was blaming Clay Holmes, some also took a dig at Gleyber Torres, who made an error in a crunch situation. He went hitless on Monday:
"I blame Torres," one wrote.
"Most brutal loss since the 9th inning debacle in Miami last year which I was at. On a positive note…Frazier was very good. Get rid of Torres already. His error in the 9th was careless and reckless. Typical Gleyber," another added.
Few sympathized with Stroman, who, despite turning in an excellent outing, won't be getting the win:
"Stroman deserves better… terrible loss," one fan posted.
Mariners surge 4-run ninth inning to overpower Yankees
Monday night was another example where the Yankees could extend their hitting streak to eight. However, that was not to be the case, as Holmes and shortcomings at the defensive side resulted in their 16th loss of the season.
Clay Holmes was called from the bullpen to protect a three-run lead. Facing the top of the lineup, Holmes made easy work of Josh Rojas, grounding him out to start the ninth. Julio Rodriguez showed his speed by registering an infield hit. This was followed by Holmes walking to Cal Raleigh.
In what should have been an easy play at first, Gleyber Torres messed up a throw to first baseman Anthony Rizzo, resulting in Luke Raley reaching second, Raleigh safe at third and Rodriguez scoring.
Mitch Haniger continued the momentum with a center-field hit, driving in Raleigh. Holmes walked Dylan Moore before Dominic Canzone hit a sac fly to tie the game.
Finally, Ty France came up clutch and had a hit to the right field that drove in the winning run. Andres Munoz came in the ninth for the Mariners to close out the top of the Yankees lineup and earn a save.