The New York Yankees built a 4-1 lead after five and a half innings but couldn’t withstand the Houston Astros’ relentless offense, falling 8-7 in devastating fashion.

Yankees fans had every reason to believe this game was in the bag, yet familiar nightmares resurfaced in the late innings.

A three-run blast by Cody Bellinger in the ninth gave a jolt of hope, but it was too little, too late.

When Jazz Chisholm Jr. was rung up on a controversial strike three to end the rally, Yankee Stadium hearts collectively sank.

That final call will sting for days, but the larger truth remains: the bullpen and defense once again collapsed.

The series now sits even at one game apiece, with Boston also losing, keeping the Yankees tied atop the Wild Card standings.

Toronto, meanwhile, only widened its

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