Getting to Mariano Rivera has become a chore in the last week for the Yankees.
Prior to last night’s 8-3 win in Baltimore, just their second victory in six games, the Yankees’ bullpen has imploded in late-game spots. CC Sabathia relieved the pressure last night by allowing just three earned runs in 7 2/3 innings.
The Yankees, though, have four pitchers with earned run averages greater than four, making for an unsecure bridge to Rivera, who didn’t close the win for the Bombers last night.
The issue was quiet as the Yankees raced to an 11-3 start but has picked up some steam lately, as they sit in second place in the AL East. Relievers allowed eight earned runs in their last 8 1/3 innings prior to last night.
In Anaheim, Joba Chamberlain and Damaso Marte served up damaging home runs and Tuesday, David Robertson’s ERA increased to 10.80. The righty hit a batter and allowed three straight two-out base hits that turned into a 5-4 deficit.
“You walk a guy, you hit a guy 0-2, and it seemed to fall apart after that,” Joe Girardi told reporters. “They got three runs with nobody on and two outs; it’s something you say shouldn’t happen, but it’s the human element.”
