The Yankees crushed the Texas Rangers 8-0 in the first game of their doubleheader on Saturday, but Texas held on to New York in the second game, winning 9-4.

Cole’s strong performance is overshadowed by the collapse of the Yankee bullpen

The Bombers wasted a terrific start by Gerrit Cole, who threw 90 pitches and lasted 5.1 innings, allowing just six hits and one earned run while collecting 10 strikeouts.

Despite a rocky start after his injury, Cole has allowed just three earned runs in his last 11 innings. When your ace puts on a performance like that, you expect a win. Unfortunately, the Yankees’ bullpen has imploded, with Luke Weaver and Michael Tonkin allowing eight earned runs in less than two innings.

The Rangers faced both of the Yankees’ most efficient and consistent relief pitchers. Sometimes things deteriorate quickly and both pitchers have failed despite having a greater number of hits.

Highlights and misses in the offensive

Offensively, the Yankees hit some home runs from the middle of their lineup. Late in the game, Giancarlo Stanton and Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit two home runs in a row, with Chisholm hitting his sixth home run in just 11 games with the Yankees since his signing. He was a solid addition to the heart of the lineup and his defense at third base was excellent.

The Yankees’ top half is still efficient for the most part, but the bottom half has certainly had its ups and downs. Backup catcher Carlos Narvaez struck out three times in three at-bats – the Yankees missed Austin Wells and his performance after he had four RBIs in Game 1 of the doubleheader.

Preview of Sunday’s game

The Yankees look forward to Sunday afternoon with Marcus Stroman on the mound looking to bounce back after a few poor performances. He will face Andrew Heaney, a former Yankee who has a 3.98 ERA over 115.1 innings this season.