Rougned Odor raced through a late “stop” sign from third-base coach Phil Nevin, tumbling into home plate with the Yankees’ third run of the evening — a play that helped make the difference in a much-needed 4-3 victory over the Rays on Tuesday at Tropicana Field.
Odor was the trail runner on Gio Urshela’s two-run double to center field in the sixth inning, the long-awaited run support that helped boost Jordan Montgomery to the left-hander’s first victory since June 2 against Tampa Bay — a span of nine starts.
Aroldis Chapman worked around a two-out walk in a high-octane ninth inning for his 19th save in 23 opportunities.
DJ LeMahieu also had a run-scoring single in support of Montgomery, who held the Rays scoreless on five hits over five innings. Montgomery walked three and struck out five.
Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning off right-hander Chad Green, but the Yankees held on, bouncing back from a rough weekend in which they lost three of four games to the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Ryan LaMarre provided insurance with an eighth-inning homer off Jeffrey Springs. Aaron Judge went 1-for-4 in his return from the COVID-19 injured list, having missed nine games.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].