Yankees Avoid Being Swept in Tampa Bay

stamfordadvocate.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 25th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 3 Rays 2

The New York Yankees were able to avoid the sweep on Sunday, by beating the Tampa Bay Rays in extra-innings. The win moves the Yankees to (69-61) on the season, which is seven games behind the AL East leading Red Sox, and 3.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Ivan Nova wasn’t at his best, but was able to battle and get a few big double plays to avoid any real damage, and turn in a good start for the Yankees. Evan Longoria had Nova’s number in this game, as he was responsible for both Rays runs. In the first inning Longoria had a RBI single that scored David DeJesus, and then in the sixth inning Longoria hit a solo-home run, which was his 28th of the season, and it was his third home run of the weekend series. Nova finished going 6.2 innings allowing just two runs on six hits and six walks in the no decision.



Rays Starter Alex Cobb also pitched pretty well, and he also didn’t factor in the decision of this game. As Longoria had Nova’s number, Robinson Cano had Cobb’s number. In the fourth inning Cano hit a solo-home run, which tied the game at the time, and was his 24th home run of the season. In the sixth inning Cano would hit a RBI double that scored Ichiro Suzuki. Cobb finished going 5.2 innings allowing two runs on seven hits, three walks, while striking out five.

After some solid performance out of the Rays bullpen, the Yankees would finally get to Jamey Wright in the 11th inning. A double by Alfonso Soriano in the 11th and then a risky steal of Third Base set up Curtis Granderson, who delivered with a sac-fly to give the Yankees the lead.

The Yankees bullpen was outstanding in this win, as in 4.1 innings they only allowed one base-runner on a walk allowed by Joba Chamberlain. Boone Logan would finish off the 10th inning, which allowed him to earn his fourth win of the season. Mariano Rivera after having to get up and down a few times pitched a perfect 11th inning to earn his 38th save of the season.

Next up for the Yankees will be a trip back up north to Toronto for a three-game series against the Blue Jays, as Phil Hughes (4-12, 4.88) will be facing off against R.A. Dickey (9-12, 4.49).