New York Yankees: Five Losses That Cost Them A Legitimate Playoff Chance

As a Yankee-less playoff is finally happening, these are the losses that ultimately cost them a chance at another World Series title.Some wins feel more special than others, just like some losses are more debilitating. With the New York Yankees this season, there seemed to be far more disappointing losses than one could count.In a season that started with mediocre expectations, the Yankees were able to overcome early defeats to make a run for the playoffs. While their journey to October ended early, their overall season was deemed a success. However, it’s easy to look back and feel disappointed in certain games, which potentially could have changed the season’s outcome.Here are the five games this season that severely hurt the chances of getting the Yankees in the playoffs: Apr 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) celebrates his run with second baseman Rougned Odor (right) against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports5. 4/26 at Texas Rangers, 10-1 lossThe Yankees were already struggling, at only 8-10 on the young season, but this loss set them on a downward spiral. This loss against the playoff-caliber Texas Rangers squad marked the start of a six-game losing streak, which would promptly place them in the basement of the AL East.The main takeaway from this game was that it started to expose the weakness in the starting rotation for New York. Luis Severino took the mound and could not finish off batters, allowing several two-strike hits that ultimately cost them the game. Even though it was early in the season, this game started a skid that put the Yankees in a hole for the rest of the season.Jul 31, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) steals second base as New York Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro (14) attempts to tag him out during the second inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports4. 7/31 at Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3 lossEntering Tampa after the All-Star Break, the Yankees were making a climb back from their dreadful 9-17 start, sitting at 52-48. That run disappeared quickly as they got swept by their division rivals, including a devastating 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays that brought out the brooms.While the series as a whole was ugly, this game exemplified exactly what the Yankees had struggled with all season long. Their offense was virtually non-existent, except for two RBIs from the first-half MVP Carlos Beltran.The starting pitching was also lackluster. Michael Pineda labored through six innings, tossing 93 pitches and giving up five runs in the process. If the early part of the season was to be summed up in one game, this would be it. The Yankees found themselves behind early and their offense could not dig themselves out of that hole.These were games they should win but just couldn’t, and that set them back on the season.Aug 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Anthony Swarzak (41) hands the ball off to New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) after being taken out of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports3. 8/16 vs. Blue Jays, 12-6 lossThis time, the rain did not help the Yankees. After four innings of play, the Yankees had built a confident 5-0 lead over the 68-52 Toronto Blue Jays. Then Mother Nature had her way at the Stadium.Putting Pineda back in to pitch after the 42-minute rain delay was questionable, but he managed to finish his five-inning performance without giving up a run. He handed off the 6-0 lead to Anthony Swarzak, who promptly gave up four runs to a tough Toronto offense. After eight more unanswered runs, the Yankees were done.Trying out new bullpen additions was necessary, but not in this situation. The Yankees took a gamble and it didn’t pay off … and showed a massive vulnerability in the bullpen without No Runs DMC.Jun 27, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) attempts to dry his hand with the rosin bag while discussing a rain delay with home plate umpire John Tumpane (74) and third base umpire Alan Porter during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports2. 7/27 vs. Texas Rangers, 9-7 lossRain seems to be a common theme for the Yankees this season. Even worse when it costs them the game, just as it did here.The powerhouse Rangers entered the Bronx and challenged the Yankees to a back-and-forth game, which found the Yankees leading 6-5 heading into the ninth. Again, Mother Nature intervened.After a three hour and 35-minute delay, the decision was made to continue the game. However, Kirby Yates blew the lead, allowing three earned runs. And then the Yankees’ offense was, once again, stifled in the bottom of the ninth. When 2:30 AM rolled around, Yankee fans were deflated and exhausted.This loss wasn’t just disappointing, it was absolutely crushing. After three hours of waiting, the Yankees caused heartbreak in the wee hours of the morning. The Yankees had the game in their hands but fate had other plans in the Bronx.Sep 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) reacts with teammates after hitting a three run home run to win the game against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at Fenway Park. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 7-5. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports1. 9/15 at Boston Red Sox, 7-5 lossArguably the most deflating loss of the season, this game provided late-game heroics, a massive comeback, and a celebration…all for the wrong team. A Thursday night rooted in possibility ended in heartbreak against the Boston Red Sox.If this game did anything, it ultimately crushed any momentum the Yankees had moving towards October. Riding high coming into the series in Boston, the Yankees were still in contention for the division title. That is, until, the 9th-inning rolled around.With Dellin Betances’ pitiful performance against a stacked line-up, he let the game slip away as Yankees’ fans and players alike watched in horror. Wiping away a stellar performance by staff ace Masahiro Tanaka, Betances entered in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run lead but was unable to capitalize.With another Ramirez providing late-game heroics, Hanley’s three-run shot took the air out of the playoff hopes in New York. If there was one game they needed to win, it was this one. So when they lost, it was in the worst possible fashion against the worst enemy. NEXT: Yankees 2016 Report Card