The New York Yankees (23-18) fell behind 6-0, and it looked as if the Tampa Bay Rays (31-11) were going to cruise to another victory, but the Yankees’ offense exploded for nine runs in the fifth and sixth innings, and they held on for a 9-8 win on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
Aaron Judge led the way with a pair of two-run homers, the second of which put the Yankees on top. Kyle Higashioka also went deep, while Oswaldo Cabrera added two insurance runs with a two-out single.
Nestor Cortes struggled again, allowing six runs on seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. The left-hander, who also walked two and struck out three, owns an 8.20 ERA in his last five starts.
Wandy Peralta recorded his second save in two games with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Yankees will try to take three of four from the Rays on Sunday when Clarke Schmidt takes the mound. The first pitch is slated for 1:35 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
