Yankees claw their way within one in the bottom of the ninth, but fall 6-5 to the Reds

The Yankees had no answer for either of those guys.

The Yankees came into this one with an opportunity to make a statement at home after a disappointing road trip. Instead, the team’s recent struggles continued. While the Yankees did manage to get a couple of hits with runners in scoring position, and plated two runs in the bottom of the ninth, the Reds impressive bullpen proved too strong. Curtis Granderson tapped out meekly to first base to end the game with the tying and winning runs on base.

The box score said it all. The Yankees had eleven hits, more than the eight hits the Reds had, but the Yankees converted those hits into just five runs, one run too few. The Reds, on the other hand, got the big hits in this one. The biggest was a three run homer off Joey Votto‘s bat. Votto is hitting an insane .308/.456/.594. It was a wonder the Yankees got him out at all.

Ivan Nova, meanwhile, continued to give up extra base hits. He did this last year as well, but he got lucky and usually gave up a solid hit with no one on. This year he hasn’t been as lucky. The Reds managed three extra base hits against him in total, including Votto’s three run job. Oddly, Nova had good stuff today. He struck out twelve batters, the most of any Yankee this year. Unfortunately, when he missed his spot he got rocked.

But Nova allowed only five runs. David Phelps came on in relief in the eighth and committed a crucial throwing error after fielding a bunt. That allowed Brandon Phillips to move to third base. He would score later in the inning. That run proved to be the difference in the game after the Yankees fought their way back to 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, before eventually coming up short.

Tomorrow’s rubber game features dueling aces. The Reds will send their best pitcher, Johnny Cueto to the mound, while the Yankees will counter with CC Sabathia. Sabathia will be looking to bounce back after his first loss of the season. The game starts at one pm.