YANKSGAMEDAY

BOSTON — Aroldis Chapman’s confidence is completely shot. And the Yankees’ already slim chances of winning the AL East may be shot as well. Chapman looked lost on the mound once again, giving up two more runs, and the Bombers’ bullpen imploded in a demoralizing 9-6 defeat to the Red Sox on Friday night at Fenway Park. Boston is now five games ahead of New York in the division, with Sox ace Chris Sale set to take the mound on Saturday.

Red Sox fans chanted “Chapman! Chapman!” as the $86 million man allowed Rafael Devers and Christian Vazquez to complete a double-steal in the eighth inning without even noticing before Jackie Bradley Jr.’s two-run single. In his last four appearances, the 29-yearold flamethrower has allowed seven runs.

The Yankees led the majors in bullpen ERA (2.15) in the second half heading into the game, but their relievers combined to give up six runs in four innings on Friday night. Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle combined to give up four runs in the bottom of the seventh alone after the Yankees scored four of their own in the top of the frame to take a 6-3 lead.

Mookie Betts started Boston’s comeback with a sacrifice fly. Andrew Benintendi followed with an RBI single. And Mitch Moreland saw three consecutive changeups from Kahnle — he ripped the final one for a two-run single that put the Red Sox ahead 7-6.

Gary Sanchez had ignited New York’s four-run inning with his 23rd homer. Ronald Torreyes gave the Bombers a 5-3 lead in the frame with a key two-run single off the Green Monster. Aaron Hicks was hit by his second pitch of the night to make it 6-3.