The New York Yankees (12-7) leaned on a dominant bullpen and a big night from Ben Rice at the plate to secure a 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays (8-11) on Thursday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, extending their win streak to four.
Starter Will Warren lasted just 1.2 innings, allowing one run while struggling with command and running up his pitch count. Ryan Yarbrough stepped in to stop the bleeding, and the bullpen held strong from there, with Tim Hill, Ian Hamilton, and Devin Williams combining for 6.1 scoreless innings.
New York jumped out early with three straight singles to open the game, including an RBI from Aaron Judge. Though they left the bases loaded in the first, the Yankees came alive again in the fifth. Oswaldo Cabrera homered to cut the deficit, and the Yanks tied it when Cody Bellinger grounded into a fielder’s choice. They took the lead in the sixth with smart base running and timely hits, capped by Rice’s two-run single, his fourth hit of the night.
Despite being ejected in the seventh for arguing a strike-three call, Jazz Chisholm Jr. sparked the sixth-inning rally and scored the go-ahead run. Defensively, Oswald Peraza, who replaced Chisholm Jr., made a highlight-reel diving play in the ninth to help Williams notch the save.
The series continues Friday at 7:05 p.m. with Carlos Ródon on the mound for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].