With Tampa Bay taking two out of three so far, the Yankees hoped to even the series.
They got off to a strong start with DJ LeMahieu getting on base with a ground ball to right field. Aaron Judge would fly out to right, but Aaron Hicks would double moving LeMahieu to third. A walk to Luke Voit would load the bases. Gleyber Torres flew out for the second out of the inning. And Mike Ford would get hit by a pitch to score the first run of the game.
Both sides would fail to score a run until the top of the fifth when the Yankees’ bats came alive again. Voit and Torres on base when Gio Urshela hits a long ball to the center field wall, where Manuel Margot fumbles the catch, failing to get the third out of the inning, allowing both runners to score. Yanks lead 3-0.
Pitcher James Paxton still on the mound in the bottom of the seventh. Jose Martinez knocks a double into center field and a home run two batters later by Mike Brosseau would bring him home. Another home run to Brandon Lowe tied the score and end Paxton’s day.
The Rays looked like they might add on in the eighth, but a challenged play at first base would be ruled an out, and giving the Yankees a double play to end the inning.
Ninth inning, game tied, Yankees go down in order. The Rays now up to try and win. Zack Britton pitching to make the game go to extra innings. Brosseau doubles, but is thrown out at third on a fielder’s choice. A wild pitch allows Lowe to move to second and puts him in scoring position. A walk to the next batter followed by a groundout. Two runners, two outs. Michael Perez singles to right field and Lowe scores the walk off run.
Rays win 4-3 and take three out of four games from the Yankees.
New York heads home for a nine game home stand starting with the Braves on Tuesday.
The Rays host the Red Sox Monday.
