The New York Yankees (46-16) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (35-27) 4-3 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
New York got a solo homer from Aaron Judge in the first, and a three-run blast from Kyle Higashioka in the fifth, to build a 4-0 lead.
The Rays pushed back with a RBI double from Manuel Margot in the sixth, and RBI singles from Ji-Man Choi and Rene Pinto in the eighth, to pull within 4-3.
That would be as close as the Rays got as Clay Homes worked a scoreless ninth for his eleventh save. It saved the win for Nestor Cortes (6-2, 1.94) who allowed one earned run in five and one-third innings of work while striking out four and walking three.
Shane McClanahan (7-3, 1.84) took the loss after pitching six innings in which he allowed four runs - but only one of them earned - on three hits while striking out seven and walking two.
The Rays will now look to avoid being swept on Thursday night in the final game of the three game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM - Neil Solondz begins pregame coverage from New York at 6:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES