The New York Yankees were blanked 3-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field, wasting another strong outing from Gerrit Cole as they fell to 50-42. The loss dropped New York five games behind Tampa Bay in the American League East and continued an offensive slump that has plagued the club throughout the series.
Cole turned in his second consecutive solid start, allowing three runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings while striking out six and throwing a season-high 97 pitches since returning from Tommy John surgery. The Rays struck first in the third when Jonathan Aranda singled home Yandy Díaz after an off-line throw from Jasson Domínguez allowed the run to score. Aranda added an RBI double in the fifth before driving in Tampa Bay’s final run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, accounting for all three Rays runs.
Meanwhile, the Yankees managed just six singles, went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and stranded four runners. New York’s best scoring opportunities came in the second and seventh innings but failed to capitalize in either frame.
Paul Goldschmidt’s slump continued with an 0-for-4 performance, extending his career-long hitless streak to 34 at-bats.
Aaron Boone was ejected in the sixth inning after arguing with home plate umpire Doug Eddings following the ejection of bench coach Brad Ausmus over a disputed challenge situation.
The Yankees close out their four-game series against the Rays on Thursday, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. New York has not announced a starting pitcher, while Tampa Bay is expected to send Drew Rasmussen (7-4, 2.78 ERA) to the mound.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.