The Tampa Bay Rays (99-61) defeated the New York Yankees (91-69) 4-3 on Friday night. The win extends their franchise record for most wins, as they picked up their 99th win of the 2021 season.
After Nelson Cruz hit a solo homer in the top of the first, the Yankees answered with an RBI single from Giancarlo Stanton in the bottom of the first. Kevin Kiermaier drove in a run in the second inning, and that would be all the scoring until the ninth inning. In the top of the ninth Wander Franco came through with a two-run single to gave the Rays some breathing room.
The Rays would need that breathing room, as the Yanks got RBIs from Joey Gallo and Brett Gardner to pull within 4-3. However, Andrew Kittridge would hang on to pick up his eighth save of the season. Shane McClanahan got the start and went three innings, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out three and walking none. Louis Head (2-0, 2.31) picked up the win after pitching two and one-third inning of shutout baseball out of the bullpen.
The Rays will now try to pick up their 100th win of the season on Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. First pitch between the Rays and Yankees is scheduled for 1:05 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz and This Week In Rays Baseball at 11:30 AM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES