June 23, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH – Great American Ball Park
In a matchup they were favored to win, the Yankees stumbled to a 6–1 defeat against the Cincinnati Reds, continuing a worrying trend of offensive futility and inconsistent pitching. With the loss, New York falls to 45–33, and more importantly, deeper into what’s quickly becoming a midseason funk.
The Reds’ rising star torched New York with 3 hits, including a triple and a solo home run, while also collecting 3 RBIs and showing why he’s one of the most electrifying young players in the league. His homer in the 2nd inning and his blistering triple in the 4th helped ignite a four-run outburst that broke the game wide open.
“He’s the real deal,” Reds manager David Bell said postgame. “He can hurt you in so many ways — and tonight he did it all.”
Outside of a solo home run by Aaron Judge — his 28th of the season — the Yankees managed just four hits and went 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Their inability to deliver in the clutch has become a glaring issue.
“We’re pressing,” said manager Aaron Boone. “It’s tough to watch because we’re putting guys on, but the execution just isn’t there.” Anthony Volpe, Giancarlo Stanton, and DJ LeMahieu all failed to reach base, while the bottom of the lineup barely made contact.
This wasn’t just a bad game — it was a warning sign. With Gerrit Cole still sidelined, Luis Gil struggling, and the offense in freefall, the Yankees suddenly look beatable.
The loss to the 41–38 Reds only underscores how vulnerable this once-dominant Yankees team looks. From poor plate discipline to underwhelming bullpen work, nothing seems to be clicking.
A one-run loss is frustrating. A five-run defeat is alarming. The Yankees were outplayed in every phase of the game — and worse, they looked uninspired. If this team wants to contend come October, the turnaround has to start now. Otherwise, heartbreak in June could snowball into disappointment in fall.