New York Yankees fans turn on Clay Holmes

All it took was one disastrous outing for New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes to lose the love of the fans.

That disaster happened on Tuesday night. He was handed a 3-0 lead in the top of the ninth against the Reds, practically guaranteeing a victory for the Yankees. Instead, Holmes quickly loaded the bases with a walk, a base hit, and a hit batter. An infield single brought in another run while a second hit batter ended his night.

Clay Holmes learns adoration of New York Yankees fans can be fleeting

As Holmes walked off the mound, a cascade of boos rained down upon him. His excellent season to that point no longer mattered. The fact that he seemingly came out of nowhere to become an All Star and usurp the closer role from the embattled Aroldis Chapman was irrelevant. What was important was that he failed at that moment against a team that had started the season with a 3-22 record.

Wandy Peralta was almost able to escape that jam and hold the victory as he recorded two quick outs. However, a base hit to center on a 0-2 pitch gave the Reds those final two runs they needed. Holmes ended up allowing four runs on two hits, a walk, and two hit batters without recording an out as he took the loss.

Even with that disastrous outing, Holmes has had a fantastic season. He has posted a 1.37 ERA and a 0.814 WHiP in his 39.1 innings, striking out 40 batters with six walks. He had allowed just two earned runs all season before that implosion. Holmes had more than done his part.

Ever closer has that outing or two where nothing goes right. They walk a tightrope as they try to preserve those wins as just one mistake can lead to disaster. Just one bad outing can cause the fans to turn as Holmes learned on Tuesday.

New York Yankees fans can be a fickle bunch. Clay Holmes learned that lesson on Tuesday as he was booed off the diamond.