The New York Yankees acquired Michael Tonkin off waivers and immediately put him in a high-pressure situation in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Tonkin allowed the tying run in the 10th inning and ultimately gave up the winning run in the 11th inning, resulting in a 7-6 win for the Brewers. Joey Ortiz delivered the game-winning hit with a hard ground ball that scored the winning run.
The Yankees had to rely on their bullpen heavily after starter Luis Gil lasted just five innings. With four relievers already used by the 10th inning, manager Aaron Boone turned to Tonkin, who had been designated for assignment multiple times in the month. Stanton came through with a leadoff double in the 10th inning to give the Yankees a brief 6-5 lead, but they were unable to add any more runs.
Three home runs by Soto, Verdugo, and Grisham had given the Yankees an initial lead, but the offense struggled after that. The Brewers’ pitching staff retired 10 in a row and 13 of the next 14 batters. The Yankees had a chance to score in the ninth inning, but a baserunning mistake cost them the opportunity to add an insurance run.
Gil, who had not given up any home runs in his first four starts, allowed two home runs and five runs over five-plus innings. The Brewers tied the game in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly after an ex-Yankee player doubled off Gil. The Yankees had taken an early lead with home runs by Soto and Verdugo but quickly fell behind as the Brewers responded with home runs of their own.
Grisham provided a quick response for the Yankees with a three-run home run to give them a 5-4 lead. Grisham, who had been struggling at the plate, came through in a clutch situation to put the Yankees ahead. Despite the strong start, the Yankees were unable to maintain their lead, and the Brewers eventually secured the walk-off win in the 11th inning. Tonkin’s struggles in relief ultimately cost the Yankees the game against the Brewers.
