Ben Rice launched two home runs while Ryan McMahon delivered a grand slam as the New York Yankees (91-67) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (96-62) 9-2 on Wednesday night, one day after Tampa Bay clinched the American League East.
Rice wasted no time putting New York ahead, sending the first pitch from Mason Englert into the second deck in right field for his fourth career leadoff home run. He struck again in the fourth inning with a solo shot, giving him 40 home runs on the season and his fifth career multihomer game.
Rice finished 3-for-4 and is tied for the American League home run lead with Pete Alonso, Junior Caminero and Yordan Alvarez.
McMahon provided the game’s biggest offensive blow in the third inning. After driving in a run with a single in the second, McMahon cleared the bases with his third career grand slam to extend New York’s lead to 7-0. The five-RBI performance matched his career high.
George Lombard Jr. added a solo home run for the Yankees, who collected 11 hits overall.
Gerrit Cole earned his 10th win of the season after allowing two runs on three hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out eight and walked three.
Englert, making the start while Tampa Bay gave its regular starters additional rest ahead of the postseason, surrendered eight runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings.
New York had already secured a spot in the American League Wild Card Series and will host the best-of-three series beginning Tuesday. The Yankees are expected to face Boston, with the winner advancing to the American League Division Series against Tampa Bay.
The Yankees conclude their series against the Rays Thursday. Cam Schlittler is scheduled to face Freddy Peralta, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.