Tampa Bay Rays 4 – New York Yankees 2
Looking for the series sweep and extending the win streak to eight, the Yankees turned to rookie Luis Cessa.
After a scoreless first inning, the Rays mounted a two-out rally against Luis Cessa. After striking out the first two batters, Nick Franklin got on base with a single and Corey Dickerson went high out of the zone to deliver a two-run home run into right field, putting the Rays ahead by two early.
Through the first four innings, Matt Andriese silenced the Yankees. In the fifth inning, Chase Headley got the Yankees on the scoreboard with a solo home run.
Unfortunately, Luis Cessa could not keep the Rays in the ballpark. In the sixth inning, Logan Forsythe and Brad Miller hit solo home runs that extended the Rays lead to three. The home run by Miller also ended Cessa’s day on the mound.
In 5 2/3 innings, Luis Cessa allowed four runs on five hits. He walked none and struck out five.
The Yankees faced a familiar player when former Yankee Chase Whitley took the mound for the Rays. He got three outs in the sixth inning and was forced into some extra work in the seventh inning. With one on and two out, pinch-hitter Starlin Castro reached on an error that extended the inning. Brett Gardner made it count with a run-scoring single to bring the Yankees within two. Gardner also stole second to put the potential tying run at second base but a fly out by Jacoby Ellsbury ended the rally.
Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless eighth inning and closer Alex Colome set the Yankees down in order, ending the Yankees’ winning streak at seven.
Win – Matt Andriese (7-7)
Loss – Luis Cessa (4-1)
Save – Alex Colome (32)
Notables
Rays
*Corey Dickerson – 3 for 4, R, 2B, Two-run home run (19) in the 2nd, 2 RBI (58)
*Logan Forsythe – 1 for 4, R, BB, Solo home run (19) in the 6th, RBI (48)
Yankees
*Chase Headley – 1 for 3, 2 R, BB, Solo home run (14) in the 5th, RBI (49)
*Brett Gardner – 3 for 4, 2B, RBI (36)
Current Yankees Record: 76-66
