Few teams have seen their fortunes change as quickly as the New York Yankees this season. They started the year off on an extremely rough note and looked destined to miss the postseason. But Aaron Judge led them to great results in May before getting injured. However, the team is currently in a spell of bad form. Most recently, a player that disappointed in 2022 blamed his own mistakes for the Yankees’ most recent loss.
The Bronx Bombers lost their series opener against the Texas Rangers in a low-scoring 4-2 loss. But in the fifth inning, Isiah Kiner-Falefa made an error that cost the Yankees a scoring opportunity. After the game, he shouldered the blame for the loss.
NY Yankees’ struggling utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa shoulders the blame for the latest loss
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In the post-game interview, struggling utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa puts the blame on himself for a 4th-inning fielding mistake in center field. He dropped a fly ball that led to the Rangers’ evening the score at 1-1. Furthermore, he also made a mistake while stealing second base in the 5th inning.
According to the umpire’s call, he was safe. But IKF reportedly heard an opposing fielder shout “out” and thought he was out. An opposing fielder tagged him out as he walked toward first base and the dugout. These two blunders made IKF blame himself for the loss. Twitter user Yankees Videos also shared a video of Kiner-Falefa’s post-game interview. Here is what the mistake from his end sounded in his words.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa explains what happened on the fly ball in the 4th inning:
"I got caught in between a little bit, I hesitated. Game is on me today." pic.twitter.com/uGsNR0IreO
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 24, 2023
In the video, he said, “I got caught in between a little bit, um, I hesitated just a tad. Um, made up for the ground, I wasn’t able to cover for it, because I was more worried about where Volpe was. Game’s on me today. Got to keep that ball in front, I got caught in between trying to make a play and playing it safe.” Although the messed-up plays did cost the Yankees, there were other reasons for the loss.
The team has struggled as captain Aaron Judge recovers from injury. Lets us have a look at what fans are saying about Kiner-Falefa’s admission.
Fans are lauding IKF, whereas criticizing the front office
The reactions to this statement from Isiah Kiner-Falefa are mixed. Some fans lauded him for his sense of accountability, despite the loss not being entirely his fault. Other fans criticized the front office and administration.
Love the attitude but game is definitely not on IKF.
— Wilfred Bergqvist (@wilfred_bergqvi) June 24, 2023
love the accountability but the game isn’t on ikf
— liv 🫣 (@livk1423) June 24, 2023
IKF shouldn't be the one to face the music. This team has performed like trash. IKF has been nothing but accountable and a team player, playing everywhere they ask.
The accountability of this team is gone, and it starts with the owner. https://t.co/LizXsTSCaZ
— NYSportsGuy (@NYSports_Guy) June 24, 2023
Other fans criticized Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone and the front office.
The game is not on you. You made some errors but it’s really on Boone and the vets. Don’t blame yourself https://t.co/TFHVxBk0dr
— Sophia Milagros (@SophiaMilagros2) June 24, 2023
Love the accountability but the game is on Cashman for having no depth that a converted 3B who then converted to SS is now playing CF. #yankees #RepBX https://t.co/NnhkgfVpKQ
— Vince (@vincepaz1230) June 24, 2023
More accountability from IKF and than Hal, Cashman and Boone combined.
— Scott Norris (@SNTheRock) June 24, 2023
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No its not dude. Game is on that pathetic thing you call a Manger. FIRE BOONE NOW.
— lodriguez (@LRitco) June 24, 2023
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What do you think about the New York Yankees’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa taking accountability for the loss? Or do you also think the blame goes to the owner and the administration? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.