After four scoreless innings from Blake Snell, the Tampa Bay Rays pitching staff allowed the New York Yankees to score the next eight straight runs, culminating in an 8-4 loss at Yankee Stadium Wednesday.
The Rays jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on rookie Jordan Montgomery, as Evan Longoria drew a two-out walk and Rickie Weeks Jr. followed with a massive two-run homer, his first with Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay added to their lead in the top of the fifth, as Steven Souza Jr. doubled and scored on a fielding error by Starlin Castro on a Weeks grounder.
Things started to turn in the bottom of the fifth, as Snell allowed a base hit to Chase Headley, a walk to Aaron Judge, and an error by Tim Beckham on a Kyle Higashioka ground ball. Pete Kozma and Jacoby each popped out, but Snell issued a walk to Aaron Hicks to force in a run.
Kevin Cash then brought in Jumbo Diaz, who uncorked a wild pitch to allow it to get to 3-2 before retiring Chris Carter to end the threat.
However, the big right-hander allowed three staright singles to begin the home sixth, with Judge bringing in Castro to tie the game.
Diaz gave way to Xavier Cedeno after a fielder's choice by Higashioka, but the lefty threw away a comeback grounder by pinch-hitter Brett Gardner that allowed Headley to break the tie. Gardner collided with Weeks at first base because of the bad throw and each had to be removed from the game.
Ellsbury's RBI single then scored Higashioka and a groundout by Aaron Hicks scored pinch-runner Ronald Torreyes for a 6-3 advantage.
Judge's two-run blast off Erasmo Ramirez in the seventh made it 8-3.
Tampa Bay finally scored again in the top of the eighth, as Corey Dickerson's RBI double scored Longoria and set the score.
Tampa Bay will look to salvage the finale of the series Thursday night, as Matt Andriese (0-0, 9.00 ERA) takes on Luis Severino (0-0, 7.30 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10, with coverage on WDAE beginning at 6:00 with The Inside Pitch, presented by Sykes Lakeland.