The Yankees' Struggle at Fenway Continues: A Closer Look at Their Futility in June

The New York Yankees' recent struggles at Fenway Park continue to leave fans scratching their heads. After suffering their third straight defeat at the hands of the last-place Red Sox, it's clear that something needs to change for the Pinstripes. But what has gone wrong for this talented team at the historic Fenway?

One thing is certain – the Yankees have not been able to find their footing at Fenway in June. A decade's worth of data shows that they have gone just 1-14 at the iconic park in the month, compared to a 19-11 record in every other month. It's a stark contrast that has left many questioning the team's preparation and approach to playing at Fenway.

Today's 4-1 defeat was just the latest in a string of losses for the Yankees at Fenway. Rookie starter Jake Bennett had the Yankee hitters in a blender, allowing just a single hit through six innings. Gerrit Cole, meanwhile, struggled with his command, allowing a pair of solo homers and walking two batters. It was a forgettable start for the veteran pitcher, and one that will need to be reversed if the Yankees hope to climb back into contention.

The tone was set early on, with the Red Sox jumping out to an early lead in the first inning. Masataka Yoshida took Gerrit Cole deep on the second pitch of the game, a leadoff homer that gave Boston an early 1-0 advantage. The Yankees were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, with Jake Bennett working a series of quick 1-2-3 frames to prevent them from building any kind of momentum.

The second inning brought more of the same, with Bennett working around a leadoff walk in the top half and the Red Sox getting another homer in the bottom half. Anthony Seigler, the former Yankee prospect who Boston has somehow managed to collect, snuck an opposite-field fly ball just over the Green Monster for a 2-0 lead. These are just solo homers, blips that Gerrit Cole can usually live with when his offense is hitting. They just are not hitting this weekend.

But it wasn't just a pair of solo shots that Gerrit Cole had to contend with today. Boston put a pair of ducks on the pond in the third, with Willson Contreras hitting a 1-2 fastball past the outfielders to plate a pair and double the Boston lead. All this while the Yankees hadn't managed a single hit of their own through four for the second day in a row.

The Yankees managed to end the no-hitter and shutout one swing in the top of the fifth, with Max Schuemann clubbing a ball out toward the triangle in left center field. The ball hit off the yellow stripe that denotes the 'end' of the Green Monster, essentially making it a play if it had hit to the left of that line. Schuemann's first homer as a member of the Yankees made it a 4-1 game, but it was too little, too late.

Gerrit Cole departed with one out in the sixth, having once again allowed a few too many big hits. It was reminiscent of his previous start against the Tigers, where he continually missed in crucial spots and the opposing lineup was ready to take advantage. Meanwhile, Boston's young left-handed starter factory seems to have endless output, with Jake Bennett working through six almost-spotless innings and the lone hit being Schuemann's home run.

The worst part about these losses is the individual who has shown up in the ninth inning to put them to bed. Aroldis Chapman started the ninth by rocketing a trio of fastballs past an overmatched Ben Rice, but it was to no avail. Cody Bellinger worked an admirable walk, but it was a hollow effort in the end. June has been a tough month for the Yankees at Fenway, but there's still time to turn things around.