The Yankees blow another Lead against the Dodgers in Friday's Loss

LOS ANGELES – In a rematch of the 2024 World Series, the Yankees played a game that closely resembled Game Five of that series. They held a lead until the sixth inning before letting it slip away, once again with their ace on the mound. The loss came exactly seven months to the day since the painful end to the 2024 season.

Injury Report/Roster Moves:

Notes/Analysis:

• FINAL: 8-5 LAD
  • WP: Gonsolin (3-1) 5.23
  • LP: Fried (7-1) 1.92
  • SV: Vesia
• Record: 35-21

• Max Fried's Final Line:
  • 5.0+ IP | 8 H | 6 R | 6 ER | 3 K | 0 BB | 75 P | 1.92 ERA
    • Max Fried struggled significantly in his outing tonight, failing to find his rhythm throughout the game. He surrendered two home runs to Shohei Ohtani, including one on the first pitch of the game. Although Fried appeared to settle in after the second inning, he unraveled in the sixth, giving up another home run to Ohtani followed by three additional hits. He was removed from the game without recording an out in the inning.
• The Yankees took an early lead with a solo home run by Aaron Judge.
• In the second inning, Austin Wells and Trent Grisham each added home runs, contributing three runs to give New York a 4–2 advantage.
• Paul Goldschmidt hit the team's fourth and final home run in the third inning, extending the Yankees' lead to 5–2.
• After the third inning, the Yankees stopped applying consistent offensive pressure, which allowed the Dodgers to work their way back into the game. While the Yankees had a mix of quality at-bats, several questionable calls by home plate umpire Jeremy Rehak contributed to their offensive stagnation. Ultimately, the inability to sustain pressure on the Dodgers' pitching staff played a key role in the momentum shift.
  • If there was any uncertainty about which team is superior prior to tonight, the Dodgers made it clear. Compared to Los Angeles, the Yankees have fallen short in constructing a well-rounded roster. The Dodgers have built a team with depth, particularly in the back end of the bullpen, and it has been evident in their performance. In contrast, the Yankees’ bullpen lacks the consistency and reliability seen in the Dodgers’ relief corps.
• The Yankees collapsed in the sixth inning following a home run by Shohei Ohtani and three consecutive hits. Jonathan Loáisiga entered the game and allowed a single through a drawn-in infield—an unusual strategic decision given the situation, where simply recording outs may have been the more effective approach. Loáisiga recorded only one out before being replaced by Tim Hill, who walked in a run before inducing a double play to end the inning.
• Manager Aaron Boone made another questionable bullpen decision by turning to Yerry De Los Santos, who allowed two additional runs on three hits, further damaging the Yankees' chances. De Los Santos, a candidate to be designated for assignment upon Fernando Cruz’s expected return next week, struggled once again. Additionally, Oswald Peraza committed an error that extended the inning. Overall, it was a difficult night of managing for Boone.
• Manager Aaron Boone made another questionable decision by pinch-hitting DJ LeMahieu for Oswald Peraza against left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott. Boone initially appeared to consider sending up J.C. Escarra but ultimately opted not to use him against the lefty. LeMahieu proceeded to pop out on the second pitch of the at-bat.
• The Yankees offense would go silent after that for the rest of the night, getting only three more hits and a walk.

Highlights: