Jazz Chisholm Jr. had no excuses for the mistake that helped set the tone during the New York Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.
The Yankees committed three errors in the first inning alone, with Chisholm’s throwing error coming on a routine play. New York eventually finished with four defensive miscues as Tampa Bay took a 2-0 series lead.
Chisholm took responsibility for his mistake after the game, admitting that he tried to do too much instead of making the simple play.
“Honestly, I’d probably still throw it in the play that was trying to be made. I just feel like I could have probably tried to make an even better throw. Where I’d throw it, I’d try and throw it a little more close to the base. My back was turned.
“I’m just trying to make a play, trying to get my pitcher out of the play. My shortstop made a great play. I tried to make a great play too.” Chisholm said, according to New York Daily News reporter Gary Phillips.
The error was especially costly because the Yankees were already struggling to generate offense. Chisholm went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Game 2, while New York managed only two runs through the first 18 innings of the series.
That offensive production has put even more pressure on a defense that struggled badly Monday night. Ben Rice provided the Yankees’ biggest offensive spark with two solo home runs, but the rest of the lineup could not do enough against Tampa Bay.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Chisholm had a productive regular season, hitting 19 home runs and stealing 41 bases. The Yankees need that version of him now more than ever with their season on the line.
New York returns home for Game 3 on Wednesday, facing elimination after losing both games in Tampa Bay. Max Fried is expected to start as the Yankees attempt to extend the series.
For Chisholm, the focus will be on putting his mistake behind him and helping the Yankees respond when they have no room left for another setback.
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