The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 7-0, in Game 1 of their three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. Andy Pettitte (3-2) pitched a gem, striking out 10 in 7 1/3 shutout innings. He gave up just two hits and two walks. Russell Martin provided the big blow on offense with a fourth-inning grand slam off Tampa Bay starter and loser James Shields (6-4).
The Yankees scored twice in the first inning with the help of a throwing error by Tampa Bay' shortstop Elliot Johnson. Martin's grand slam. fifth home run of the year, came in the fourth to put the Yankees up 6-0. He finished the night 3-for-4 at the plate. Nick Swisher hit a an RBI double in the fifth to cap the Yankees' scoring.
The Yankees (31-24) are now a half-game behind Tampa Bay (31-24) for the lead in the American League East.
Game 2 of the series is set for Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. ET. Ivan Nova (6-2, 5.60 ERA) will take on the Rays' Alex Cobb (2-1, 3.71).
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