Apr 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) reacts after striking out against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
New York Yankees fans had to be patient on Sunday.
Mother Nature delayed the game’s start time by 3:35, turning what should’ve been a mid-day game into an early evening start because of rain. Eventually, the weather dried up, the tarps were rolled up, and the two teams took the field, playing in front of 34,807 fans.
The fans didn’t only have to be patient with the start time, they also had to wait for the dramatic moments in this game. The Yankees put up three runs in the bottom of the first, taking an early lead. However, it wasn’t enough to pull out the victory as the Marlins won 7-6, dropping the Yankees’ record to 8-2. They still have an early lead in the AL East.
Max Fried was on the mound, and the ace had been off to a great start this year, throwing 13.1 shutout innings entering today’s start. But he looked a little more human on Sunday, allowing runs in the first, fourth, and sixth innings. The left-handed pitcher got himself into a tough situation in the top of the sixth, allowing runners to reach first and third with zero outs. A pick-off at first base and some good fielding helped the Yankees escape the inning with their 4-3 lead intact. Fried finished his outing with 6.2 innings pitched, four strikeouts, three walks, and three earned runs.
When Fried left the game, things still looked good for the Yankees. The bullpen did not finish the job, allowing four runs in the top of the eighth, which gave the Marlins a solid lead that ended up being the difference. Reliever Jake Bird allowed three earned runs without getting an out and was saddled with the loss.
“Just lost the zone there for a couple of hitters,” said Boone about Bird’s outing postgame. “They put some good at-bats on but not getting in the zone there.”
The Yankees put together a dangerous bottom of the ninth. Jazz Chisholm Jr., who represented the tying run, came up with two outs and fouled off a ball that threatened to land fair for a second. He then smacked one to right-center field, bringing home two runners and getting himself to second base.
“It’s good to see Jazz do that and hopefully something that kind of gets him rolling too,” said Boone.
J.C. Escarra pinch-hit for the Yankees with the game on the line and went down swinging, leaving the tying run on second and the winning run on first.
While they didn’t get the win, there were positives in today’s game for the Yankees. Ben Rice continued his torrid start to the year, smashing a three-run shot in the first inning. He has 11 runs batted in through 10 games and continues to be an impact bat in the middle of the lineup.
The Yankees have a day off before starting a new series on Tuesday when the Athletics come to town.
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