The Yankees lost the first game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, 6-5, under hazy conditions caused by the Canadian wildfires.
Chicago’s designated hitter Jake Burger got his team on the board first with a two-run home run in the top of the second inning.
The White Sox followed up in the third with Luis Robert Jr. and Yoan Moncada hitting solo shots to center field to make the score 4-2.
Moncada wore a neck gaiter over his nose during the first game Thursday. The third baseman most likely wanted to take precaution and not directly inhale polluted that is blanketing the New York City area.
The air quality improved from Thursday, when Major League Baseball decided to postpone the second game of the series between the two teams. At the time, the ballpark was under an orange haze and the air quality index came in at over 300, which the EPA considers “very unhealthy.”
Thursday’s AQI during first pitch was at 156, which is considered unhealthy.
While down 2-0 in the bottom of the second, Kyle Higashioka’s RBI double cut the lead in half. Willie Calhoun, who hit leadoff, hit a single to score Higashioka and tie the game.
Calhoun tied the game again in the fourth with a two-run shot to right field. Oswaldo Cabrera’s RBI single in the fifth gave the Yankees the lead, 5-4. It was the last run starter Lance Lynn allowed in his outing. The starter was replaced by Gregory Santos after allowing eight hits, five earned runs and three walks in five innings. The former Yankee struck out four batters.
Severino endured damage early and was pulled after five innings. He allowed six hits, four earned runs, two walks and struck out six over 86 pitches. The starter got 18 swings on his fastball, but garnered only one miss.
Severino was replaced by Jimmy Cordero. Afterwards, Wandy Peralta was called upon to get one out. Both relievers didn’t allow a hit in the sixth.
Michael King gave up a two-run homer to Eloy Jimenez to give Chicago a 7-6 lead, which eventually led to the loss.
The Yankees attempted a rally in the ninth, but Anthony Rizzo hit into a double play to end the game. Chicago’s Kendall Graveman recorded his sixth save of the season.
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