:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47285638/GettyImages-490455094.0.jpg)
The Yankees had a chance to win their 10,000th game tonight, but Ivan Nova couldn't hold onto the team's one-run lead and the offense wasn't able to get anything going after the first inning. Toronto squeaked out the win against Baltimore, putting the division title further out of reach. The Yankees haven't officially clinched the wild card spot, but maintain a four-game lead for the top spot.
As has been the case for most of the season, the Yankees got on the board in the first inning. Jacoby Ellsbury led off with a ground rule double then Brett Gardner moved him over on a sac bunt. Alex Rodriguez hit a sac fly to score what would be the Yankees' only run of the game. They had some good chances later on, but Jackie Bradley Jr. made some nice plays in left field to rob both Chase Headley and John Ryan Murphy of extra-base hits. The team tried to mount a rally in the ninth inning, but came up short.
On the other side, it wasn't a bad outing for Nova. The Red Sox didn't even score until the sixth inning when Travis Shaw hit a two-run homer following a Xander Bogaerts double. Nova came back out for the seventh inning and gave up another two-run home run to Bradley Jr, making it 4-1. He finished the night with seven strikeouts, two walks and four earned runs through seven innings pitched, but it was really just a matter of two bad pitches. Andrew Bailey and Chris Capuano were both required to get through the eighth inning then Caleb Cotham came out for the ninth. He got two quick outs then gave up a home run to Deven Merrero. James Pazos came in for the last out, but walked Bradley Jr instead. Finally, Nick Rumbelow was able to get the final out.
Defensively, Carlos Beltran made a nice (though somewhat rare) play in right field when he caught a ball in foul territory. Not known for his defensive abilities, Rob Refsnyder took away a line drive from Dustin Pedroia with a diving catch. It wasn't a banner night for the offense, but the defense was solid.
Michael Pineda will get the start tomorrow night against Rick Porcello as the Yankees chase their 10,000th game and try to secure a spot in the postseason.