Not Erasable

We are 6 games into a new season. The Yankees are 3-3.

When they score at least 4 runs, they are 3-1. At least 5, 1-0. But 3 or less, 0-2.

Oh yes: In games started by "ace" Gerrit Cole, they are 0-2. And, since Brian Cashman won't let his starters pitch long enough, Cole wasn't even the losing pitcher in either.

In every game so far, the Yankees have failed to score first. This time, they fell behind the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0, as Cole couldn't finish the 6th inning, giving up 2 home runs to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. At this point, if Vlad Sr. made a comeback, and hit 2 home runs off Cole, I wouldn't be surprised.

It was still 3-0 Jays with 1 out in the bottom of the 5th. Then Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs. Josh Donaldson followed that with a double. Joey Gallo hit one very deep to center field, but not quite deep enough. DJ LeMahieu doubled into the right-field corner. It was 3-3, and there was hope. Of course, Gleyber Torres had to be the one to end it, with a cheap popup.

Chad Green was brought in to finish the 6th. He was left in for the 7th, and allowed a run, although it was more the fault of Kyle Higashioka, committing catcher's interference. Jonathan Loáisiga closed the inning out, but served up a 3rd home run to Guerrero. Wandy Peralta was brought on, and he allowed another run.

A 1-run deficit was erasable. But 2, and then 3? Didn't feel like it. Torres hit a home run in the bottom of the 8th, but that would be it. Blue Jays 6, Yankees 4. WP: Adam Cimber (2-0). SV: Jordan Romano (4). LP: Green (0-1).

Another game that I wish was erasable, but is not.

Observe these OPS+'s, keeping in mind that 100 is exactly average, and higher is better: Rizzo 261, LeMahieu 190, Aaron Hicks 182 (a nice surprise), Judge 148, Torres 139 (deceptive, as he has choked in pressure situations so far), Giancarlo Stanton 108, Gallo 72, Josh Donaldson 58, Isiah Kiner-Falefa -34, and Higashioka -68.

In other words, the Yankees have celebrated the year the DH finally came to the National League by having 2 pitcher-type holes in their lineup. And that is unacceptable.

The series concludes tonight, at Yankee Stadium. Luis Severino starts against Kevin Gausman.