Yankees fans melt down after New York blows 5

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 24: Jimmy Cordero #70 of the New York Yankees is taken out of the game during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on May 24, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Yankees appeared to be cruising against the Orioles with a 5-1 lead after six innings. Then fans were punched in the face by a big Baltimore comeback.

It just seemed like the New York Yankees night again in the Bronx against the rival Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Through six innings, the Yankees had a 5-1 lead as Gleyber Torres smashed a pair of home runs, Isiah Kiner-Falefa got in on the fun with a homer of his own, and Nestor Cortes was dealing, allowing just three hits, one walk and one run.

Then the wheels fell completely off.

The top of the seventh started with Cortes walking Anthony Santander, conceding a single to Austin Hays, then giving up a three-run bomb to Adam Frazier that paved the way for his exit.

Unfortunately, the Yankees bullpen didn't help matters, however, as Jimmy Coredero came in and gave up the lead on a Gunnar Henderson double that made it 6-5, leaving two on as he was yanked. Albert Abreu finally got out of the inning — but not before allowing a sacrifice fly and a pair of singles that resulted in two more runs and the Orioles leading 9-5 after the frame.

Even though New York tried to muster up a comeback, it wasn't nearly enough as that disaster inning led to a 9-6 win for Baltimore.

The Yankees allowed the O's to put up their highest-scoring inning since September 2021 as New York blew the lead on Wednesday night and the men in pinstripes undeniably choked this one away.

That sentiment was felt throughout an abundance of Yankees fans, many of whom seemed to be just letting all of their anger and frustrations out after the blown lead and eventual loss.

Nestor dominates through six. Feelin’ great! Somehow, his ERA is now higher than when the game began. https://t.co/W98TfVDiro

— Adam Weinrib (@AdamWeinrib) May 25, 2023

I’m not going to get on Boone about keeping Nestor in. He was at 77 pitches. He got through the top of the order the third time. He's trying to save his pen. Nestor needed to execute better IMO. Maybe he's not fully stretched out or something. I could see Boone's thinking.

— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) May 25, 2023

I just want to point out the two relievers after Nestor didn't do their jobs.

— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) May 25, 2023

Wtf is with Nestor running out of gas at like 80 pitches this year? He was cruising tonight and then he's just done. It's so weird

— Stanzo (@ncostanzo24) May 25, 2023

The bullpen is spent, Nestor was cruising with a hood pitch count… I swear it isn't necessary to scream about Boone for everything https://t.co/w2TZGJLUSu

— DJ (pending #Ravensflock applicant) (@kingdj_5297) May 25, 2023

This loss hurts a lot.

Nestor has gotta find a way to go deeper into games without giving up a ton of damage. You're supposed to give your team length as a starter and his pitch count was in great shape before facing Frazier.

Just win tomorrow and take the series. I'll be more…

— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) May 25, 2023

Absolutely brutal loss. Boone's bullpen management is a massive problem but Nestor shouldn't get a free pass for not being able to be effective after 80 pitches. Offense had their chance to get us back in it bases loaded one out and failed. Flush it and win the series tomorrow

— Earl the Pearl (@YankeesFanEarl) May 25, 2023

There's not always blame to be thrown around

But imo the clearest person to blame for the overworked pen, lack of options, need to push Nestor into struggle territory, is Domingo freaking German

Don't think fans hate him enough for the bind he put the team in

— Srechter (@Srechter7) May 25, 2023

Some fans want to blame Aaron Boone, some want to blame Nestor Cortes, some want to blame Domingo German, and some are just plan unhappy.

That's understandable after a game like that, without question. But if there's a silver lining for Yankees fans to consider, it's that they can still take the series with a win on Thursday.