The Tampa Bay Rays (28-7) defeated the New York Yankees (18-17) 8-7 on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The win gives the Rays a series win over their division rival, and they finished a six-game homestand with a 5-1 record.
New York built a 6-0 lead by the top of the fifth inning thanks in part to homers form Anthony Rizzo and Harrison Bader. The Rays answered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, before erupting in the sixth inning.
Trailing 5-2 in the sixth, Isaac Paredes hit a ground-rule double to pull the Rays within 5-3. Christian Bethancourt then hit a three-run homer to tie the game 6-6. Yandy Diaz gave Tampa Bay their first lead of the day with a RBI groundout that made it 7-6.
The Yankees tied it 7-7 in the seventh, which would be the score through nine innings. After the Yankees were unable to get anything in the top of the tenth, Isaac Paredes came through with the game winning RBI single to give Tampa Bay an 8-7 win.
Javy Guerra opened the game with a scoreless first, before giving way to Josh Fleming. Fleming allowed six earned runs on seven hits while striking out one and walking four, and was in position to take the loss before the Rays offense rallied. Jalen Beeks (1-2, 6.75) got the win after getting the final out in the top of the tenth inning.
The Rays now head to Baltimore for a three-game series against the Orioles beginning on Monday night. Rays ace Shane McClanahan is scheduled to start on Monday and face Kyle Gibson for the Orioles. First pitch Monday is scheduled for 6:35 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras begin pregame coverage with the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES