Carlos Rodón delivered his best starts of the season Tuesday afternoon, leading the New York Yankees to a 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.
Rodón allowed only three hits, all singles, while striking out eight over eight scoreless innings. It was his first eight-inning performance since July 11, 2025.
The left-hander retired 19 straight batters at one point, with two double plays helping preserve the perfect stretch. Jose Caballero started a 5-4-3 double play in the second inning, while Cody Bellinger caught a line drive in the third before throwing to first base, where Luis García Jr. tagged Victor Mesa Jr. trying to return to the bag.
Rodón also reached a career milestone in the eighth inning when he recorded his 1,500th strikeout. His season earned-run average dropped to 2.67, while he has posted a 1.42 earned-run average in four September starts.
New York’s offense struggled to generate much against Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez, who retired the Yankees in order the first time through the lineup.
That changed in the fourth inning. Ben Rice opened the frame with a double before Bellinger followed with a two-run home run to right field, giving New York its only runs of the game.
George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones followed with consecutive two-out singles, but Anthony Volpe struck out to end the inning.
David Bednar closed the game with a scoreless ninth for his 35th save.
The victory moved New York to within five games of Tampa Bay in the American League East.
The teams meet again Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Max Fried starts for New York against Drew Rasmussen.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.