This one is going to sting the Yankees for a long, long time.
New York faltered in a tight-as-could-be, winner-take-all ALDS Game 5 against the rivalrous Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 Friday night in San Diego.
For viewers with no vested interest, it was a remarkable pitcher’s duel that ended on a sharp and late crack of Mike Brosseau’s bat leading to victory and a trip to the ALCS.
However, for Yankees fans, it was a heartbreaking nightmare.
Pitching on only three-days rest for the first time in his career, Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole walked the bases loaded to start the game but worked out of the jam completely unscathed after putting three straight past third baseman Joey Wendle, regaining composure to spin a gem of a start.
Aside from a solo homer by Aaron Judge, the Yankees lineup stayed frigid throughout the elimination game as second baseman DJ LeMahieu went 0-4 with a strikeout, Giancarlo Stanton with 0-3 with a strikeout, along with both Luke Voit and Gio Urshela each having two strikeouts and a walk in their 0-3 nights.
Game Break 