Yankees’ bullpen nearly flawless in wild-card game

The New York Yankees’ bullpen picked up the slack after Luis Severino was knocked out of the AL wild-card game in the first inning Tuesday night with a nearly flawless performance in an 8-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Severino lasted just 0.1 innings and allowed two home runs, a double, a single and a walk to the Twins. He exited the game down 3-0 and with runners on second and third with one out. Chad Green came in and shut the door, ensuring no more runs scored.

Green gave up a run in the third to tie things at four, but after that, the bullpen was pretty much perfect.

Four relievers combined to finish out the game. They combined to pitch 8.2 innings of 5-hit ball, allowing just one run, three walks and striking out 13 Twins.

David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle were particularly strong in the middle of the game. Robertson went 3.1 innings, allowing three hits, a walk and striking out five. He was awarded the win. Kahnle pitched 2.1 hitless innings before giving way to Aroldis Chapman, who pitched the ninth.

The Yankees won 8-4 and will face the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS. Their bullpen is a little taxed, but they will have a day off to recover before Game 1 on Thursday. They also will have Sonny Gray and CC Sabathia on full rest when the series begins.