The playoff hopes of the Yankees are quickly fading after they lost their series opener against the Red Sox on Tuesday night, according to Associated Press. New York is now six games back of Boston in the race for the American League Wild Card. Minnesota is also in the race, just 2 1/2 games behind the Sox. Boston defeated New York 7-3 at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, as Tim Wakefield outpitched Andy Pettitte. Alex Rodriguez struggled once again when the Yankees needed him the most, grounding into a pair of double plays and striking out to end the game. "Tonight, you can put it on me," Rodriguez said. "It was a lousy night. We pretty much screwed it up every way you can screw it up. There's absolutely no excuse."