Astronomically Bad

So the Yankees returned home last night. Having a homestand against the Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox should have been a good chance to win at least 4 out of 6, and make up ground in the American League Wild Card race.

After 4 innings, the Yankees led 2-0, thanks to a home run by Brian McCann. It was his 14th of the season, but he's batting only .235 with an on-base percentage of .290. He thinks he's on the old TV show: "It's a home run or nothing, here on Home Run Derby."

The Astros got a run in the 5th, and 3 in the 6th to take a 4-2 lead. Chris Capuano, to no one's surprise (except maybe Brian Cashman's), did not have it last night.

But in the bottom of the 6th, Martin Prado doubled home 2 runs to tie the game. So we went to the 9th tied 4-4.

But David Robertson allowed 2 runners, getting only 1 out, and then Chris Carter bombed a 436-foot home run to left field. True, it was his 30th of the year, but the fact that it came off our closer is bad.

Astros 7, Yankees 4. WP: Josh Fields (3-6). SV: Chad Qualls (14). LP: Robertson (1-4).

This game was, pardon the pun, Astronomically bad.

The Yankees are now 4 games behind the Detroit Tigers for the 2nd AL Wild Card. There are 39 games to go: We will have to make up 1 game in every 10 to have a chance.

The series continues tonight, with Michael Pineda starting for the Yankees (and, knowing Joe Girardi, he'll take him out after the 3rd innings with a 2-0 lead, and then use up the bullpen in losing 8-3), and Scott Feldman for the Astors.