Severino’s struggles stain rain-soaked Game 1 in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS — Luis Severino’s previous start inspired some confidence within the Yankees’ clubhouse, as the right-hander showcased a fastball-slider combination that tempted manager Aaron Boone to predict his hurler “had a chance to go on a great run here.”

That did not materialize on Saturday. On an afternoon in which the Cardinals honored Roger Maris, who wore uniform No. 9, Severino inadvertently paid homage by allowing that many runs in an 11-4 loss at Busch Stadium.

“This whole year has been concerning for me,” Severino said. “I want to be able to go out there and help my team. It’s frustrating that I can’t do that.”

It was the first of two games in a split-admission doubleheader, and also featured a pair of rain delays totaling 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Sporting a close-cropped haircut that he said was intended to bring back “2017 Sevy,” Severino had blanked the hot-hitting Rangers on five hits over six innings back at Yankee Stadium on June 24. It appeared as though it might be a turning point, after he’d gone 0-2 with a 9.16 ERA (19 ER in 18 2/3 IP) over his previous four starts.

Paul Goldschmidt opened scoring with a three-run homer in the third inning, and a throwing error by third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera extended the Cardinals’ five-run frame. Nolan Gorman tagged Severino for a two-run homer in the fourth.

“He didn’t find that consistency with the slider,” Boone said. “I thought the fastball was good early and had some life. He got some swings and misses, but I think he wore down a little bit. Early on, they were able to put some balls in play on him … and then it got away. Overall, just not as sharp.”

Severino faced two men in the fifth and both came around to score against lefty Matt Krook, pinning Severino’s final line at nine runs (seven earned) and nine hits over four-plus innings. The nine runs allowed were one shy of his career high, on Aug. 12, 2017, vs. Boston. 

“I thought today was going to be a really good outing,” Severino said. “Even the pitches that they hit out were good pitches, below the zone, the way we wanted. This team took a good approach against me.”

Jack Flaherty blanked the Yankees over six innings for the win. Jake Bauers hit a two-run homer for New York. Josh Donaldson made his first career pitching appearance in relief, recording a groundout and two flyouts in a perfect eighth inning.

“He’s actually wanted to pitch,” Boone said. “He pitched in college a little bit and has never done it here. I thought he threw the ball well.”