The New York Yankees erupted for six runs in the third inning and cruised to a 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field, earning a split of the four-game series. After averaging just 2.8 runs per game over their previous 20 contests, the Yankees broke out offensively to improve their record to 51-42 while trimming Tampa Bay’s American League East lead to four games.
The breakthrough came in the third, when New York sent 10 batters to the plate and chased Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, who entered the game with a sparkling 0.89 career ERA against the Yankees. Max Schuemann sparked the rally with a leadoff double before Ryan McMahon battled through a 12-pitch at-bat, fouling off seven pitches before ripping an RBI double. Ben Rice then delivered a two-run homer as the Yankees piled up seven hits during the six-run inning.
Rice wasn’t finished. The slugger launched a three-run homer in the sixth to cap a five-RBI afternoon and continued his dominant series at the plate. By the ninth inning, New York’s offense had built such a commanding lead that the Rays turned to infielder Ben Williamson to pitch, and the Yankees finished with 12 runs after entering the day mired in an extended offensive slump.
A bullpen game also proved effective for New York, as seven pitchers combined to limit Tampa Bay to four runs and preserve the convincing victory.
The Yankees open a three-game road series against the Washington Nationals on Friday night in D.C., with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.