St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) – Matt Joyce hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning, lifting the Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-2 win over the New York Yankees in the opener of a critical three-game series.
The Rays entered the series two games behind the Yankees in the AL East, and gained ground thanks to Joyce’s big hit. Tampa Bay also won its seventh straight game.
Rays starter Wade Davis (9-9) gave up a two-run homer to Nick Swisher in the first inning, but shut the Yankees down for the rest of his seven-inning start. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out six, and won his fourth consecutive start.
Phil Hughes (12-4) gave up Joyce’s homer and took the loss for the Yankees, while Alex Rodriguez remained stuck on 599 career homers after going 0-for-4.