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New York Yankees Reaction: Nova Struggles, Yanks Swept In Colorado (Highlights)

Ivan Nova was subpar on the mound as the New York Yankees were swept away in an abbreviated two-game set with the Colorado Rockies.

  • New York Yankees: 3 (31-34)
  • Colorado Rockies: 6 (32-33)
  • Interleague, FINAL, Box Score
  • Coors Field, Denver, CO

Right when the New York Yankees get you to think that they have solved the puzzle once and for all, the pieces are scrambled once again. The same pieces that led the Yanks to a 5-2 home stand failed the team as they lost both games at Coors Field.

Ivan Nova turned in yet another shaky outing, surrendering 10 hits and five runs over five innings pitched.

The Yanks gave him a 2-1 lead that he rode into the fifth until everything unraveled. Nova was getting hit around over his first few frames and it was a matter of time before they turned into runs on the board.

DJ LeMahieu singled in a run to tie the game, and then Nolan Arenado followed with his NL leading 20th home run of 2016, a two-run shot to put Colorado up 4-2.

The Rockies plated another run on a Mark Reynolds RBI single to cap off a pivotal four-run fifth. The Yankees got one back on an Aaron Hicks’ second RBI of the game but would not get any closer.

Chad Bettis picked up a win on the mound for the first time since May 17 against the Cardinals. The right-hander allowed only two earned runs, walked none, and struck out five over six stellar frames.

LeMahieu’s second RBI came in the eighth inning off Aroldis Chpaman, a triple up the gap in right-center to make it a 6-3 ballgame.

Carlos Estevez picked up a save for the second straight day against New York, retiring the side in order in the ninth. With the loss, the Yanks dropped to 4-7 all-time at Coors Field.

Lineup Tells The Story

Take a look at the lineup that Joe Girardi put out for today’s series finale.

The dismal lineup featured a guy with 14 RBIs in the cleanup spot, a guy batting .221 in the number six spot, and no true power threat to say the least.

In addition, the Yankees started the game with Brian McCann on the bench – day game after night game – and Carlos Beltran still ailing.

If you are trying to figure out why the offense managed only three runs off an inadequate Colorado staff, just ask yourself why Chase Headley was batting in the number four slot.

(Not So) Super Nova

In allowing five earned runs in the series finale, Ivan Nova’s ERA rose to 4.77. His struggles have amounted to a 6.56 ERA over his last four starts in which he is fortunate enough to be 2-2.

Evident through numbers, Nova may not be as stretched out as you think. He has often imploded near the tail end of his outings which was put on display in Baltimore and again today.

The Yankees will need their 29-year-old to find his groove once again. He was so vital to the team’s success during in May when he pitched to a 3.52 ERA in six appearances (five starts).

What’s Next?

The Yankees will head to Minnesota to start a four game set with the Twins that kicks off tomorrow night.

CC Sabathia (4-4, 2.28 ERA) will go up against Kyle Gibson (0-4, 6.49 ERA) in the series opener.

Sabathia has been magnificent in an unbelievable comeback season. His ERA is the lowest it has been through 10+ starts in his entire career and he possesses a masterful 0.71 ERA over his last six starts.

Kyle Gibson has been the opposite. The 28-year-old has been hammered over five starts this season for the Twins and lost his last outing against the Red Sox, allowing five earned runs over five and two-thirds innings.

Opponents have hit a lofty .292 off the right-hander.

First pitch will commence at 8:10 pm ET from Target Field as the two teams play the first of seven meetings with each other spanning over the next two weeks. Stay tuned as ESNY will have an in-depth series preview with all that you need to know ahead of the matchup.

NEXT: Mark Teixeira Plans To Return By Next Week