Watch: Yankees' defensive meltdown gives Padres little league HR

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Yankees have defensive meltdown, give Padres little league home run

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 5/29/23

A collection of defensive miscues from the New York Yankees on Sunday afternoon resulted in a little league home run for San Diego's Jose Azocar.

With the game tied, 1-1, in the top of the second inning and Ha-Seong Kim on second base, Azocar ripped a single to center field off of Yankees starter Gerrit Cole.

That is when the fun started.

Little League Home Run for José Azocar !!!#BringTheGold pic.twitter.com/9CN5IC9K6T
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 28, 2023

With Kim trying to score from second base, Yankees centerfielder Harrison Bader air-mailed his throw as it sailed over everything and went all the way to the backstop behind home plate.

Cole, who had a mental lapse, did not back up the throw forcing catching Kyle Higashioka to chase after the ball as Azocar raced to third base.

Higashioka then made matters worse by launching his throw into left field, allowing Azocar to trot home to give the Padres a 3-1 lead.

A lot of bad things happened there. The throws were bad enough, but Cole not backing up the play is something that simply can not happen.
The good news for the Yankees is they responded in the bottom of the third inning with seven runs to take an 8-3 lead.

Cole, meanwhile, shook off his mental lapse and slow start and struck out nine Padres batters through six innings.

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