On paper, the outcome suggested some progress.
It indicated a return to the form of Marcus Stroman, who excelled in all but one of his starts in August. His latest performance, in which he failed to escape the fourth inning, appeared to be an outlier as the season nears its end.
Facing a Royals team that he and the Yankees might encounter in the postseason, Stroman felt in control with his sinker during this matchup.
He conceded only three runs, bolstering his case for manager Aaron Boone’s final selection of postseason starters.
Marcus Stroman delivers a pitch against the Blue Jays. Robert Sabo for NY Post
However, with Royals starter Seth Lugo stifling the Yankees offense, Stroman’s outing—seven hits and three runs over 5 ¹/₃ innings—was marred by damage the Yankees couldn’t overcome, leading to a 5-0 defeat on Tuesday in The Bronx.
“I made a couple of mistakes when runners were on base, which allowed them to extend their lead,” Boone remarked. “But he kept us in the game, getting into the sixth inning with just three runs. Given Lugo’s performance, that lead felt much larger.”
Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the first inning against the Yankees on Sept. 10. Getty Images
If Stroman secures a spot in the Yankees’ postseason rotation, his excellent performance in his last four starts of August will be a key factor.
He posted an impressive 2.53 ERA during those appearances, reducing his overall season ERA from 4.10 to 3.81 by month’s end.
Nevertheless, the Yankees face a dilemma behind ace Gerrit Cole as they approach the postseason, with Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and Stroman vying for the remaining rotation spots.
It is possible that someone, perhaps Stroman, could end up in the bullpen when October arrives.
This makes each of Stroman’s remaining starts increasingly significant. On Tuesday, he needed to perform comparably to Lugo, who tossed seven shutout innings.
While Stroman did not allow any extra-base hits, the Royals managed to accumulate seven singles, notably in the third inning when catcher Salvador Perez hit a slurve down the left-field line, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. from first base for their second run of that inning.
“He’s the type of player who seems capable of hitting any pitch,” Stroman commented about Perez, whom he described as “one of the best catchers of all time.” He added, “Sometimes you feel like tossing the ball down the middle might be your best bet. I try to execute away from the plate, but he consistently finds ways to get hits.”
Marcus Stroman made a strong start against the Royals. <span class="credit
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Stroman’s Solid Start Not Enough as Yankees Fall to Royals
Overview of the Matchup
In an intense showdown on September 10, 2024, the New York Yankees faced off against the Kansas City Royals. Despite a commendable performance by starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, the Yankees fell short, resulting in a disappointing loss that has implications for their playoff aspirations.
Marcus Stroman’s Performance
Marcus Stroman, known for his competitive spirit and impressive skill set, delivered a solid start against the Royals. Here’s a breakdown of his performance:
- Innings Pitched: 7
- Strikeouts: 8
- Earned Runs Allowed: 2
- Walks: 1
- Hits Allowed: 6
Stroman’s ability to command the strike zone and limit damage was evident throughout the game. He kept the Royals’ hitters off balance with a mix of pitches, showcasing his signature sinker and slider effectively.
Yankees Batting Struggles
Despite Stroman’s strong outing, the Yankees’ batting lineup struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Key players who could have made a difference underperformed:
- Aaron Judge: 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts
- Giancarlo Stanton: 1 for 3, but grounded into a double play
- DJ LeMahieu: 1 for 4 with no RBIs
As a team, the Yankees collected only 5 hits and left 7 runners on base, highlighting their inability to convert opportunities into runs. This trend has become a recurring theme, raising concerns about their offensive consistency.
Game Highlights
The Royals took an early lead in the third inning, scoring their first run on a double by Bobby Witt Jr. This was followed by a solo home run in the fifth, further extending their lead. The Yankees finally got on the board in the eighth inning, but it wasn’t enough to mount a significant comeback.
Key Moments
| Inning | Event | Player | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Run Scored | Bobby Witt Jr. | Double to left field |
| 5th | Home Run | Salvador Pérez | Solo shot to center |
| 8th | Run Scored | Gleyber Torres | Groundout RBI |
Royals’ Pitching Excellence
The Royals’ pitching staff, led by their ace, was instrumental in shutting down the Yankees’ offense. Key stats include:
- Starting Pitcher: Brady Singer
- Innings Pitched: 6.2
- Strikeouts: 7
- Earned Runs Allowed: 1
- Walks: 2
Brady Singer’s performance was a reminder of the depth in the Royals’ rotation and their ability to perform under pressure. His effectiveness in getting crucial outs helped maintain the lead established by the Royals’ early offensive output.
Impact on Standings
The loss has significant implications for the Yankees as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. Here’s a look at the current standings:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 77 | 68 | .531 |
| Kansas City Royals | 82 | 63 | .566 |
The Yankees need to regroup quickly as they look ahead to their next series, with every game counting in the tight AL East race.
Practical Tips for Players Moving Forward
To improve their performance, the Yankees can consider the following strategies:
- Focus on situational hitting: Players need to improve their ability to drive in runs when it matters most.
- Adjust batting approaches: Analyze pitchers more effectively to capitalize on favorable matchups.
- Improve base running: Being aggressive on the bases can create additional scoring opportunities.
These adjustments could be pivotal for the Yankees as they strive to secure their place in the postseason.
Fan Reactions and Community Impact
Fans expressed their frustration on social media following the game, highlighting the need for changes in both batting strategies and team dynamics. The Yankees’ inconsistency has led to passionate discussions among the fanbase, with many calling for a reevaluation of player roles.
Community Engagement
The Yankees are known for their dedicated fans, and community events could help foster a positive atmosphere despite recent struggles. Engaging with fans through town halls, Q&A sessions with players, and interactive events can help restore faith in the team’s direction.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees prepare for their next matchup, they must analyze their approach both offensively and defensively. With the playoffs on the line, every game becomes crucial. The upcoming series is an opportunity for the Yankees to bounce back and solidify their position in the standings.
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