Yankees Lose Fourth Straight to Rangers, Fall Behind AL East Leaders

The New York Yankees continued their struggles with a fourth straight loss, falling 8-5 in extra innings to the Texas Rangers, further jeopardizing their postseason chances. Despite a strong start from their bullpen, including scoreless innings from David Bednar and Camilo Doval, closer Devin Williams blew a save by allowing a game-tying home run to Joc Pederson in the ninth inning, marking his third blown save of the season and ongoing difficulties since July. The Rangers capitalized in the 10th inning with a walk-off three-run homer by Josh Jung off reliever Jake Bird, sealing the Yankees' defeat. The loss dropped the Yankees to third place in the AL East, now 5.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays and just 1.5 games ahead of the Rangers, intensifying the wild card race. Manager Aaron Boone, despite the bullpen's struggles, has maintained confidence in Williams as the closer amid acquisitions of other experienced relievers like Bednar and Doval. With the postseason spot in peril, the Yankees face mounting pressure to stabilize their bullpen and close out games more effectively on the road.