In the top of the first inning, the Red Sox went down in order. Before Walker Buehler’s gum even lost its flavor, he was in a jam. He nearly navigated his way out of it by way of a fortunate lineout and a strikeout, but couldn’t put away Jazz Chisholm after going up 0-2. Chisholm hit a home run, and as the flavor in Buehler’s gum faded, the game was all but over.

Without getting into specifics, Buehler was terrible on Friday night. He ran into the same issue that several Red Sox pitchers have this season: execution with two strikes. In the first two innings alone, seven Yankee hitters reached base with two strikes. The Red Sox team FIP after 0-2 counts this season was 1.63, worst in the league. Hitters who go down 0-2 hit .204. .204 isn’t a great average in a vacuum, but it’s the second-worst mark in baseball behind only the Colorado Rockies. Major league hitters are too good to give extra chances. The Red Sox pitching staff has to be better with two strikes, or they’ll entirely fall out of the playoff picture in no time.

Yeah, they hit some home runs and fought back to make the scoreline look somewhat respectable, but this game was never close. The Red Sox are a bad team right now, plain and simple.

Three Studs

Marcelo Mayer

He hit his first career home run, which is always a cool moment. It’s a shame he hit it in Yankee Stadium and may have a hard time getting the ball back.

Abraham Toro

I’m not sure how I would have reacted if you told me before the season that Abraham Toro was getting significant playing time for the Red Sox and performing well. I’d be confused why he’s playing, but happy he was taking advantage of the opportunity. Unfortunately, they’re primarily empty stats.

Rafael Devers

The guy just loves Yankee Stadium.

Three Duds

Walker Buehler

Two innings ain’t it.

Trevor Story

0-4, two strikeouts. He played well against the Angels, but went right back to slumping after that.

Ceddane Rafaela

0-4. He’s been hot lately, so he gets a pass. Don’t make it a habit, though, Ceddy.