New York Yankees 6 — Tampa Bay Rays 4
After losing sole possession of 1st in the AL East, the Yankees take it back with tonight’s 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Like many starters recently, Hiroki Kuroda struggled to hold onto leads in tonight’s start. In 6 innings, Kuroda gave up 2 leads that he received. After having a 3-1 lead in the 4th inning, a 2-run triple by Ben Zobrist tied the game. They would reclaim the lead in the 6th inning and Kuroda would lose the lead again. The lead would finally hold and the bullpen gets the assist. Boone Logan and David Robertson combined for 2 innings of relief behind Kuroda. Rafael Soriano put a solid 9th inning together for a much-needed win after so many struggles.
The Yankees offense kept the foot on the gas pedal and put together a nearly complete offensive showing in tonight’s game. The second hit of Derek Jeter’s 3-hit night started a big 4th inning. With 2 on, Alex Rodriguez and Russell Martin came through with back-to-back doubles to put up 3 runs. After losing the lead, Russell Martin broke the 3-3 tie with a solo home run as a part of his 2-hit, 3 RBI night. Despite losing the lead one more time, the Yankees offense was not discouraged as they manufactured runs to guide themselves to victory in the 7th inning. After a pair of singles, the Yankees did something they have not done recently, had a productive out. Jayson Nix put down an excellent sacrifice bunt and moved the runners over. With Derek Jeter batting and the infield in, an errant throw by second baseman Elliot Johnson to home would bring in the 2 runs needed for the Yankees to win. Many of the key parts to a successful offense were seen tonight and it proved to be crucial to victory.
With the Yankees win and the Baltimore Orioles loss tonight, the Yankees have reclaimed a 1 game lead in the American League East.
Win – Hiroki Kuroda (13-10)
Loss – Matt Moore (10-9)
Save – Rafael Soriano (36)
Notables
Yankees
*Russell Martin – 2 for 4, R, 2B, Solo Home Run (15) in the 6th, 3 RBI (40)
*Derek Jeter – 3 for 5, R, 2B
Rays
*Ben Zobrist – 1 for 4, 3B, 2 RBI (58)
*Evan Longoria – 2 for 4, RBI (39)
Current Yankees Record: 77-59
