The Tampa Bay Rays (50-49) defeated the New York Yankees (59-42) 6-4 on Sunday afternoon in the Bronx. The Rays have now won two in a row and are back above .500 on the season.
Richie Palacios led off the game with a home run for Tampa Bay. The Rays added a pair in the fourth thanks to a homer from Randy Arozarena and a RBI single from Jose Caballero. Jose Siri hit a two-run blast in the seventh to make it 5-0.
The Yankees got their only runs of the game in the seventh inning when Aaron Judge hit a three-run blast off Jason Adam. Jose Caballero gave the Rays some insurance when he hit a solo homer in the ninth to make it 6-3, which they would need in the bottom of the ninth. Juan Soto drove in a run in the ninth to pull within 6-4, but that would be as close as the Yankees would get.
Shane Baz got the start and did not allow a run but lasted only three and one-third innings while striking out one and walking five. Garret Cleavinger (6-2, 3.38) got the win out of the bullpen getting the final two outs of the fourth inning. Pete Fairbanks earned his 18th save, allowing only one run in the ninth inning and holding on for the win.
The Rays will now look to win the four-game wraparound series with the Yankees on Monday afternoon. Zack Littell (3-6, 4.26) will start for the Rays and face Carlos Rodon for New York. First pitch on Monday is scheduled for 1:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting the Inside Pitch at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES