New York Yankees 3 – Tampa Bay Rays 1
From the system, the kids shined for the Yankees in the rubber match.
Despite the Yankees going down scoreless in the first inning against Chris Archer, Jacoby Ellsbury snapped his 0-for-25 hitless streak with a single to left field. A small positive for the Yankees center fielder. For the Yankees, Luis Severino got three outs despite a fielding error by Didi Gregorius.
In the second inning, Carlos Beltran started with a leadoff walk on a full count. Greg Bird followed with a deep fly ball to right center for a double that scored Beltran all the way from first and put the Yankees ahead by one.
Luis Severino faced danger when James Loney led off the second inning with a double. Steven Souza Jr. walked to put two on but Severino went through the bottom third of the order with relative ease. Nick Franklin and Kevin Kiermaier struck out for the first two outs and a ground ball force out ended the inning with the one-run lead intact.
Luis Severino and Chris Archer matched each other zero for zero following the second inning but Severino found himself in a difficult spot in the fifth inning. After the first out, Rene Rivera got on base with a single and John Jaso put two in scoring position when he hit a double. Mikie Mahtook hit a ground ball back to Severino, forcing Rivera to freeze at third base during the second out. Finally, on a short pop up to foul territory, Brian McCann made a short dive to catch it and retire the last out to keep the one-run lead intact, much to Severino’s visible delight.
In the sixth inning, Brian McCann and Greg Bird walked amidst two outs and Chase Headley cashed in with two on and two out. On a soft fly ball to left field, Headley reached with a run-scoring single to provide insurance runs for the Yankees and their rookie starter.
For the sixth inning, Luis Severino got the first out. James Loney got his third hit of the night against the 21-year-old Severino and he came around to score on a misplayed fly ball by Steven Souza Jr. to deep center field, a double that Jacoby Ellsbury lost track of. Severino bounced back by striking out Nick Franklin to end his night on a high note.
Justin Wilson finished the sixth inning and wrapped up Luis Severino’s solid night on the mound. In 5 2/3 innings, Luis Severino allowed one run on six hits while walking one and striking out seven.
Justin Wilson returned for the seventh inning and retired the first two batters before Dellin Betances took over. Unfortunately, Dellin Betances lacked command of his breaking ball walking three in a row to load the bases. He settled down after that though, striking out James Loney to end the inning to escape hot water of his own making.
After the Yankees were set down in order in the eighth inning, Dellin Betances received what can be only described as a gift inning in the bottom half. Steven Souza Jr. led off with a sharp single to center field. Nick Franklin followed with a bunt attempt that was popped up and caught by Chase Headley. On the bunt, Souza Jr. left running and was doubled off of first base for an unconventional double play. On the very next pitch, Kevin Kiermaier grounded out to finish of a four-pitch eighth inning for Dellin Betances.
With a one-run lead going into the ninth inning, the Yankees wanted an insurance run, just for comfort. Cue the baby bomber.
Against reliever Andrew Bellatti, Greg Bird got all of a 2-1 changeup and put it to deep right field, had it not hit the catwalk, but it was a home run regardless. The solo home run provided the Yankees an insurance run that proved to be a moot point with closer Andrew Miller.
Pinch-hitter Brandon Guyer opened the bottom of the ninth inning with a strikeout against Andrew Miller on three pitches. Pinch-hitter Richie Shaffer struck out looking on called strike three for out number two. Finally, pinch-hitter Tim Beckham struck out swinging at strike three. That makes three outs on three strikeouts, ending the pitcher’s duel with emphasis to take the series in Tampa Bay.
Win – Luis Severino (4-3)
Loss – Chris Archer (12-12)
Save – Andrew Miller (34)
Notables
Yankees
*Greg Bird – 2 for 3, R, BB, 2B, Solo home run (7) in the 9th, 2 RBI (21)
*Chase Headley – 1 for 4, RBI (60)
Rays
*Steven Souza Jr. – 2 for 3, BB, 2B, RBI (36)
*James Loney – 3 for 4, R, 2B
Current Yankees Record: 80-65
