SB Nation New York - Yankees Vs. Rays: Tampa Bay Hands Yankees 1-0 Victoryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2011-07-10T15:42:50-04:00http://newyork.sbnation.com/rss/stream/20288902011-07-10T15:42:50-04:002011-07-10T15:42:50-04:00Yankees-Rays Score: Tampa Bay Miscues Gives New York 1-0 Victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - After Derek Jeter hogged the spotlight with his historic performance on Saturday, it was CC Sabathia's time to shine in Sunday's series finale.</p>
<p>Sabathia became the first 13-game winner in the majors, outdueling Tampa Bay starter <span class="sbn-auto-link">James Shields</span> in the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</span>' 1-0 win.</p>
<p>New York capitalized on a pair of miscues in the seventh inning, as <span class="sbn-auto-link">Robinson Cano</span> scored from third on Shield's errant pickoff throw.</p>
<p>After Cano led off the seventh with a single to right field -- the first Yankee base runner since the third -- <span class="sbn-auto-link">Jorge Posada</span> flied out to center field. <span class="sbn-auto-link">B.J. Upton</span> then tried to double up Cano at first, but his throw sailed out of play, resulting in a two-base error.</p>
<p>"I just overthrew it. If I make a good throw, he's out," Upton said.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link">Russell Martin</span> then grounded out to third before Shields (8-7) committed his costly error.</p>
<p>Sabathia (13-4) scattered four hits, walked one and struck out nine in his first shutout of the season.</p>
<p>"The pitch count was down today, so I got a chance to go out and finish," Sabathia said.</p>
<p>New York, at 53-35, heads into the All-Star break one game behind Boston for first place in the American League East. Tampa Bay (49-41) is six games behind the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</span>.</p>
<p>Yankee Stadium was still buzzing Sunday after Jeter became the 28th member of the 3,000 hit club. Jeter, who hit a home run to reach the milestone and finished 5-for-5 with a go-ahead RBI single in New York's 5-4 victory, received a standing ovation from the crowd before Shields struck him out swinging in the first.</p>
<p>Jeter recorded career hit No. 3,004 -- a bunt single -- in the third after <span class="sbn-auto-link">Eduardo Nunez</span> started the frame by reaching on an infield single. <span class="sbn-auto-link">Curtis Granderson</span> sacrificed the runners over before Nunez was thrown out trying to score on fly ball to center by <span class="sbn-auto-link">Mark Teixeira</span>.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/10/2268944/yankees-rays-score-tampa-bay-miscues-gives-new-york-1-0-victoryEd Valentine2011-07-10T12:48:46-04:002011-07-10T12:48:46-04:00Tampa Bay Rays (49-40) At New York Yankees (52-35), 1:05 P.M.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>(Sports Network) - Fresh off a milestone day for captain <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Derek Jeter</span></span>, the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a></span> will attempt to win the rubber match of a rain-shortened, three- game series with the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a></span> at Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p>Saturday, Jeter hit a home run in the third inning to become the 28th player in major league history to reach the 3,000-hit plateau.</p>
<p>Jeter finished 5-for-5 with a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning, a double and a pair of runs scored to lead New York to a 5-4 win over Tampa Bay. The veteran shortstop became the first player to reach the milestone while wearing Yankees pinstripes and the second player to homer for his 3,000th hit, joining former teammate Wade Boggs, who accomplished the feat in 1999 with Tampa Bay.</p>
<p>"I wasn't sure it was going to be a home run," Jeter said. "I was hoping, but afterwards, to be honest with you, I was pretty relieved."</p>
<p>He became only the second player to record five hits in the game in which he reached 3,000 hits and first since <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Craig Biggio</span></span> in 2007.</p>
<p>With 3,003 hits, Jeter passed Roberto Clemente (3,000) for 27th place on the all-time hits list.</p>
<p>"I think we all thought, 'Wow, he really knows how to do it,'" Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of his shortstop's historic feat. "This is a guy who has always been a big-time player in a big moment."</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Mark Teixeira</span></span> chipped in with a pair of hits while <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Mariano Rivera</span></span> worked a perfect ninth to earn his 22nd save of the season.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>David Robertson</span></span> (2-0) earned the win, despite giving up the lead in the eighth.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Joel Peralta</span></span> (2-4) gave up the RBI single to Jeter to absorb the loss for the Rays.</p>
<p>"I have an appreciation for what happened today," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I'm really proud of our guys for handling a very emotional moment from the other side. I want to believe that a lot of teams would not have performed as well as we did today under the circumstances."</p>
<p>Tampa will send All-Star hurler <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>James Shields</span></span> to the mound this afternoon for a much-anticipated pitchers duel. Shields' 8-6 record isn't overly impressive, but his 2.47 ERA is far more indicative of the way he has performed thus far. The righty will attempt to bounce back from a loss to Minnesota last time out, as he permitted three runs (two earned) in six innings of work.</p>
<p>Shields lost his lone previous start against the Yankees this season and is just 3-9 versus the Bronx Bombers with a 4.83 ERA.</p>
<p>New York ace <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>CC Sabathia</span></span> will oppose Shields, so runs will likely be tough to come by for both squads. Last time out, Sabathia became the first 12-game winner in the majors by blanking the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a></span> over seven innings. He struck out 11 batters in that tilt and is now 12-4 with a 2.90 ERA. In 136 2/3 innings, the big lefty has yielded only five home runs.</p>
<p>Sabathia is 8-5 lifetime versus Tampa with a 3.24 ERA.</p>
<p>The Yankees own a stellar 52-35 record, yet still sit a game back of Boston for AL East supremacy.</p>
<p>As for Tampa Bay, it is five games off the pace set by the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a></span>. </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix">
<h3>Current Series</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<h4>4 game series vs Rays @ Yankee Stadium</h4>
<table class="zebra">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Thu 07/07</td>
<td>
WP: Jeff Niemann (4 - 4) <br> LP: Bartolo Colon (6 - 4) <br>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>1 - 5 loss</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Fri 07/08</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>Postponed</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Sat 07/09</td>
<td>
WP: David Robertson (2 - 0) <br> SV: Mariano Rivera <br> LP: Joel Peralta (2 - 4) <br>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>5 - 4 win</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="background:none">
<td colspan="3" style="background:none">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix">
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> <span id="blog_icon_432449357" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v777cf8a.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_432449357_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img alt="Drb-logo-sm" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/32799/drb-logo-sm.jpg"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></span></span></span> <br> <span>@ <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> <span id="blog_icon_837642928" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v777cf8a.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_837642928_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/"><img alt="Pinstripealley_m" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/394/pinstripealley_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/">Pinstripe Alley</a></span></span></span> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><span>Sunday, Jul 10, 2011, 1:05 PM EDT</span><br> Yankee Stadium</p>
<p class="pitchers"><span>James Shields</span> vs <span>CC Sabathia</span></p>
<p class="weather"> Sunny. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around .</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="coverage">
<div class="entry">
<h5><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/2011/7/10/2268268/rays-at-yankees-yankees-look-to-head-into-all-star-break-with-a-win">Rays at Yankees: Yankees Look to Head Into All Star Break With a Win</a></h5>
<p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Brandon%20C.">Brandon C.</a></span> <span class="time">1 minute ago</span></p>
<p class="byline">0 comments | 0 recs</p>
</div>
<div class="entry">
<h5><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/2011/7/10/2268263/rays-at-yankees-preview">Rays at Yankees Preview</a></h5>
<p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Brandon%20C.">Brandon C.</a></span> <span class="time">about 2 hours ago</span></p>
<p class="byline">5 comments | 0 recs</p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1310316501659"></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/10/2268759/tampa-bay-rays-49-40-at-new-york-yankees-52-35-1-05-p-mEd Valentine2011-07-09T16:53:04-04:002011-07-09T16:53:04-04:00Yankees 5, Rays 4: Derek Jeter Gets 3,000th Hit, Goes 5-For-5, Drives In Winning Run
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Derek Jeter not only got the 3,000th hit of his Hall of Fame career on Sunday, but the New York Yankees captain turned the game into one of the best indivdual performance of his career, going 5-for-5 and driving in the game-winning run in the eighth inning as the Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-4.</p>
<p>Jeter singled in the first inning off David Price for his 2,999th hit. He then homered deep into the left-center field bleachers off Price in the third inning for the milestone hit, setting off a wild celebration at Yankee Stadium. The home run was only his third of the season.</p>
<p>Jeter was just getting started, though, in what turned out to be a back-and-forth, tightly-played game,</p>
<p>He led off the bottom of the fifth inning with a double into the left-field corner and scored on a Curtis Granderson base hit. In the sixth inning, he singled to right field.</p>
<p>In the eighth inning, Jeter stepped to the plate with the score tied, 4-4, and Eduardo Nunez on third base after Nunez doubled and moved to third on a Brett Gardner sacrifice bunt. Jeter drilled a base hit up the middle off Joel Peralta for the game-winning hit.</p>
<p>When Jeter homered for the 3,000th hit, the Yankee bench erupted, racing onto the field to greet him. The game was halted for several minutes. Jeter is the 28th player to reach 3,000 hits, and his 3,0003 hits now place him 27th all time. Only three players have gotten to 3,000 hits at a younger age.</p>
<p>Jeter is the first player to amass 3,000 hits as a Yankee.</p>
<p>Relief pitcher David Robertson got the win for New York, and Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth inning for his 22nd save.</p>
<p>According to <span class="caps">MLB</span>.com, Jeter’s home run was caught by 23-year-old Christian Lopez. Lopez quickly agreed to return the ball to Jeter, and the Yankees announced that Lopez will be awarded four tickets to every Yankee home game the rest of the season.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/9/2267914/yankees-5-rays-4-derek-jeter-gets-3000th-hit-goes-5-for-5-drives-inEd Valentine2011-07-09T13:12:42-04:002011-07-09T13:12:42-04:00Alex Rodriguez Has Torn Meniscus
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Well, now those rumors that the New York Yankees <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2011/7/8/2266529/yankees-trade-rumors-alfonso-soriano-aramis-ramirez-why" target="new">have been inquiring about Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramire</a>z make more sense. Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez is out of today’s lineup against Tampa Bay due to a slightly torn meniscus in his right knee and <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=6752007&campaign=rss&source=NEWYORKHeadlines" target="new">could miss a month</a> if he opts for surgery.</p>
<p>Rodriguez has already withdrawn from the All-Star Game. According to reports, the team and Rodriguez have not yet decided whether A-Rod will have the surgery now or try to play through the injury and have the operation after the season.</p>
<p>Rodriguez is hitting .295 with 52 <span class="caps">RBI</span> in 80 games, but has just 13 home runs. He has hit 30 homers for 13 straight seasons, but would fall short of that at his current pace. Perhaps the knee injury helps explain why.</p>
<p>A report recently came out of Chicago that the Yankees might be interested in either Ramirez or power-hitting outfielder Alfonso Soriano. If they are going to be without Rodriguez for an extended time, a move for a hitter would be understandable.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/9/2267677/alex-rodriguez-has-torn-meniscusEd Valentine2011-07-08T17:50:49-04:002011-07-08T17:50:49-04:00Yankees-Rays Postponed -- Derek Jeter's 3,000th Hit Will Have To Wait
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Tonight definitely will not be the night Derek Jeter reaches 3,000 career hits. That is because the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays are not going to play. Friday’s scheduled games has been postponed by rain, and a makeup date has not yet been announced.</p>
<p>Jeter, of course, is sitting at 2,998 hits as he tries to become the 28th player in major league history to reach 3,000 hits.</p>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/Ledger_Yankees/statuses/89448504711327744" target="new">According to the Star-Ledger</a>, the Yankees voted to play a double-header on Saturday but the Rays have voted against that possibility. That would leave Jeter with just two games at Yankee Stadium prior to the All-Star break to reach 3,000 hits, rather than the anticipated three.</p>
<p>The Yankees would also like to get the game in for other reasons. They have already had several games rained out this season and are facing the reality of having to find ways to make them up as the season winds down. The Rays refusal to play a doubleheader this weekend would complicate the scheduling crunch even further.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/8/2266791/yankees-rays-postponed-derek-jeters-3000th-hit-will-have-to-waitEd Valentine2011-07-08T13:59:34-04:002011-07-08T13:59:34-04:00Tampa Bay Rays (49-39) At New York Yankees (51-35), 7:05 P.M.: Derek Jeter Countdown To 3,000 Continues
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>(Sports Network) - Is tonight the night?</p>
<p>Flash bulbs will once again be popping this evening when <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Derek Jeter</span></span> continues his quest for 3,000 hits, as the <span class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</span> play the second test of a four-game series with the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Rays</span> at Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p>Jeter doubled in his first at-bat in Thursday's 5-1 loss, but was hitless in four at-bats after that and enters tonight's matchup just two hits shy of becoming the first Yankee to reach the milestone with the club.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"You think about it just because everywhere you go there's signs and people are mentioning it," said Jeter, who will become the 28th player in major league history to reach 3,000. "After the first one, I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't think it was attainable today."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>While four members of the 3,000-hit club played for the Yankees at some point in their careers -- Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Paul Waner and Dave Winfield -- no player has achieved the feat while wearing pinstripes. Also, there has never been a player who has recorded his 3,000th hit at historic Yankee Stadium, past or present.</p>
<p>"This is history," <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Nick Swisher</span></span> said. "You've got to take into consideration everything that's a part of it. This is something that no one in the history of the New York Yankees organization has ever accomplished. I think that's saying something."</p>
<p>Other than Jeter's two-bagger, the only time the crowd of 47,787 at Yankee Stadium had a chance to cheer for the home team came on <span>Robinson Cano</span>'s home run in the sixth. It was the only mistake made by <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Jeff Niemann</span></span> (4-4) in his 7 1/3 innings on the hill, as he gave up just six hits with two walks and four strikeouts.</p>
<p>"That was like Jeff Niemann prior to the injury last year, that's what I saw. He was pitch efficient," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Ben Zobrist</span></span> went 3-for-3 with two walks and finished a double short of the cycle, while <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>B.J. Upton</span></span> also homered and drove in three runs for the Rays, winners of two straight and four of six overall.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Bartolo Colon</span></span> (6-4) yielded five runs on 10 hits and four walks in 5 2/3 frames to absorb his first loss since May 23.</p>
<p>Heading to the hill tonight for the Rays will be rookie right-hander <span class="sbn-auto-link">Jeremy Hellickson</span>, who snapped a four-start losing streak his last time out. Hellickson beat the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a></span> on Sunday, holding them to three runs and six hits in 7 1/3 frames to improve to 8-7 with a 3.21 ERA.</p>
<p>This will be Hellickson's first-ever start against the Yankees, but he has faced them twice out of the bullpen. Jeter has a single in two at-bats against the young hurler.</p>
<p>"The plan is not to let him get it," said Hellickson, who grew up a Yankee fan and actually named his dog Jeter. "That would definitely be something special. But I'm not going to be thinking about it."</p>
<p>New York, meanwhile, will counter with another one of its surprises this season in right-hander <span class="sbn-auto-link">Freddy Garcia</span>, who is 7-6 with a 3.13 ERA. Garcia was in line for the win on Sunday at the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a></span>, but <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Mariano Rivera</span></span> blew the save. Garcia had allowed just one run in seven innings in that 3-2 setback. </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix">
<h3>Current Series</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<h4>Rays lead the series 1-0</h4>
<table class="zebra">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Thu 07/07</td>
<td>
WP: Jeff Niemann (4 - 4) <br> LP: Bartolo Colon (6 - 4) <br>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>1 - 5 loss</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="background:none">
<td colspan="3" style="background:none">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix">
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> <span id="blog_icon_8452023" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v777cf8a.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_8452023_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img alt="Drb-logo-sm" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/32799/drb-logo-sm.jpg"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></span></span></span> <br> <span>@ <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> <span id="blog_icon_441868084" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v777cf8a.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_441868084_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/"><img alt="Pinstripealley_m" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/394/pinstripealley_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/">Pinstripe Alley</a></span></span></span> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><span>Friday, Jul 8, 2011, 7:05 PM EDT</span><br> Yankee Stadium</p>
<p class="pitchers"><span>Jeremy Hellickson</span> vs <span>Freddy Garcia</span></p>
<p class="weather"> Mostly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing in from right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="coverage">
<div class="entry">
<h5><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/2011/7/8/2265935/reflections-on-3000">Reflections on 3000</a></h5>
<p class="byline"><span class="author">posted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jscape2000">jscape2000</a></span> <span class="time">about 2 hours ago</span></p>
<p class="byline">7 comments | 0 recs</p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Sat 07/09</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>1:05 PM EDT</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Sun 07/10</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>1:05 PM EDT</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/8/2266375/yankees-vs-rays-derek-jeter-countdown-to-3000-continuesEd Valentine2011-07-08T07:28:32-04:002011-07-08T07:28:32-04:00Yankees-Rays Score: Rays 5, Yankees 1 -- Derek Jeter, 2,998
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Derek Jeter</span></span> moved closer in his chase for 3,000 career hits, but <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Jeff Niemann</span></span> and the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Rays</span> stole the show Thursday in a 5-1 victory over the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</span> in the opener of a four-game series.</p>
<p>Jeter doubled in his first at-bat for hit No. 2,998, but came up empty in his next four plate appearances.</p>
<p>"After the first one, I'd be lying to you if I didn't think it was attainable today," admitted Jeter. "Niemann did a great job ... He settled down."</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Sean Rodriguez</span></span> robbed Jeter of a hit with a diving backhanded stab down the third-base line in the fifth, then nabbed him on a bang-bang play at first to end the game with two runners on base.</p>
<p>Other than Jeter's two-bagger, the only time the crowd of 47,787 at Yankee Stadium had a chance to cheer for the home team came on <span>Robinson Cano</span>'s home run in the sixth. It was the only mistake made by Niemann (4-4) in his 7 1/3 innings on the hill, as he gave up just six hits with two walks and four strikeouts.</p>
<p>"That was like Jeff Niemann prior to the injury last year, that's what I saw. He was pitch efficient," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Ben Zobrist</span></span> went 3-for-3 with two walks and finished a double short of the cycle, while <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>B.J. Upton</span></span> also homered and drove in three runs for the Rays, winners of two straight and four of six overall.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Bartolo Colon</span></span> (6-4) yielded five runs on 10 hits and four walks in 5 2/3 frames to absorb his first loss since May 23.</p>
<p>Tampa Bay, making its first visit to New York this season, began a string of 11 straight games against the American League's top two teams -- the Yankees and <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a></span>.</p>
<p>Zobrist got the pivotal stretch started on a positive note, leading off the game with a triple before scoring on an <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Evan Longoria</span></span> base hit.</p>
<p>The Yankees stranded four runners over the first two frames, and Zobrist doubled the Rays' lead with a leadoff homer in the third. Later in the inning, Upton's two-out single plated <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Casey Kotchman</span></span> for a 3-0 cushion.</p>
<p>Upton, still the only Rays player to complete a cycle, again came up with Kotchman on base in the fifth and launched his 14th home run of the season into the left-field bleachers.</p>
<p>Niemann was pulled after walking <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Mark Teixeira</span></span> with one out in the eighth, and <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Juan Cruz</span></span> came in and retired <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Alex Rodriguez</span></span> and Cano to keep it a 5-1 game.</p>
<p>Zobrist, who entered play tied for the MLB lead in doubles with 28, had a chance for the cycle in the ninth but worked his second free pass of the night, taking a payoff pitch inside to fall short of the feat.</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Kyle Farnsworth</span></span> put two runners on in the ninth to bring Jeter to the plate. The Yankees' all-time hits leader nearly beat out a slow roller to third, but Rodriguez's throw got him by a step to send New York to its fourth loss in five games.</p>
<p>Jeter is trying to become the first Yankee to reach the 3,000-hit milestone with the club. With two more hits, he will become the 28th player in MLB history to accomplish the feat...Yankees closer <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Mariano Rivera</span></span> will not play in this year's All-Star Game because of a sore triceps. </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget events clearfix">
<table class="box-score">
<thead>
<tr>
<th class="td-left"> <span>Final - 7.7.2011 </span> </th> <th> 1 </th> <th> 2 </th> <th> 3 </th> <th> 4 </th> <th> 5 </th> <th> 6 </th> <th> 7 </th> <th> 8 </th> <th> 9 </th> <th>R</th> <th>H</th> <th>E</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> </span></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td class="highlight">5</td>
<td class="highlight">12</td>
<td class="highlight">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> </span></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td class="highlight">1</td>
<td class="highlight">6</td>
<td class="highlight">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="13">WP: Jeff Niemann (4 - 4) <br> LP: Bartolo Colon (6 - 4)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2011/7/8/2265673/yankees-rays-score-rays-5-yankees-1-derek-jeter-2998Ed Valentine2011-07-07T17:26:53-04:002011-07-07T17:26:53-04:00Yankees Vs. Rays: Derek Jeter In Spotlight
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>(Sports Network) - Flash bulbs will be popping this evening when <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Derek Jeter</span></span> returns to the Bronx to continue his quest for 3,000 hits, as the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a></span> open a four-game series with the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a></span> at Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p>Jeter enters tonight's matchup just three hits shy of becoming the first Yankee to reach the milestone with the club. If it is going to happen in front of his home fans it's going to have to come this weekend, as the Yankees hit the road for seven games following the All-Star break.</p>
<p>"I'm looking forward to it," Jeter said. "I wish I would have got more [Wednesday], but that wasn't the case. I'm definitely looking forward to going back to New York."</p>
<p>After getting two hits on Tuesday, Jeter managed a double in three at-bats in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to Cleveland.</p>
<p>While four members of the 3,000-hit club played for the Yankees at some point in their careers -- Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Paul Waner and Dave Winfield -- no player has achieved the feat while wearing pinstripes. Also, there has never been a player who has recorded his 3,000th hit at historic Yankee Stadium, past or present.</p>
<p>"I'm just trying to get hits," Jeter said. "It's not like I'm trying to do anything differently. It'd be different if I was trying to hit home runs or something like that. In that sense, everything is pretty much the same."</p>
<p>Jeter may not have long to wait, as he has had tremendous success against <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Jeff Niemann</span></span>, who will be starting tonight for the Rays. Not only has Jeter gone 5- for-9 against the right-hander, but he also logged three hits against him back in 2009 in the game that saw the Yankees captain tie Lou Gehrig's franchise hits record.</p>
<p>"It'll be fun -- there will be a little bit different buzz in the air, for sure, when you're going out there to take the field," Niemann said. "It'll be exciting. There won't be any shortage of adrenaline or excitement."</p>
<p>Niemann, who is 2-0 lifetime in four starts against the Yanks, has pitched well of late for the Rays, going 2-0 in three starts since a stint on the disabled list. He defeated the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a></span> on Saturday, holding them to a run and nine hits in six innings to improve to 3-4, while lowering his ERA to 5.05.</p>
<p>The Yankees, meanwhile, will counter with right-hander <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Bartolo Colon</span></span>, who continued his incredible resurgence on Saturday against the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a></span>. After missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, Colon returned and blanked the Mets over six innings to run his record to 6-3 to go along with a 2.88 ERA.</p>
<p>Colon, who is 9-2 in 18 starts versus the Rays, has not allowed a run in four of his last six starts. He is pitching to a 1.00 ERA in winning his last four outings and will try to win five straight tonight for the first time since his AL Cy Young Award-winning season of 2005.</p>
<p>While the focus of this weekend's series will certainly be on Jeter, the Yankees enter the matchup holding a slim half-game lead on the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a></span> in the American League East. Tampa, meanwhile, sits just four games back in the division.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2011/7/7/2337626/yankees-vs-rays-derek-jeter-in-spotlightEd Valentine