SB Nation New York - Yankees Vs. Rays: CC Sabathia Gives Up No Earned Runs In 8 Innings, New York Wins 5-3 Thursdayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2012-05-10T23:48:00-04:00http://newyork.sbnation.com/rss/stream/27711682012-05-10T23:48:00-04:002012-05-10T23:48:00-04:00Yankees Vs. Rays Final Score: Sabathia Gives Up No Earned Runs In 8 Innings As New York Wins 5-3
<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><span>CC Sabathia</span> gave up no earned runs in eight innings on the mound, getting credit for the win as the New York Yankees took Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3, on Thursday night. The Rays scored two runs with Sabathia on the mound, but both came off of <span>Eduardo Nunez</span> errors in the first and second innings.</p>
<p>New York tagged Rays' starter <span>David Price</span> with 11 hits and five earned runs before he left the game after seven innings. <span>Curtis Granderson</span> hit a solo home run in the second to put the Yankees on the board. The shot was Granderson's ninth homer in his last 13 games. <span>Robinson Cano</span> hit a two-run homer in the fifth to give his team a definitive 4-2 lead.</p>
<p>Cano finished the game 3-for-4 at the plate. <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> went 2-for-4, scoring off an <span>Andruw Jones</span> double to deep left field in the fifth. <span>Rafael Soriano</span> earned the save in the ninth. He gave up an earned run when Elliott Johnson scored from second base off a <span>Will Rhymes</span> grounder to end the game.</p>
<p></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 - 5.10.2012 </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="loss"> <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> </span></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td class="highlight">3</td>
<td class="highlight">8</td>
<td class="highlight">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> </span></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>X</td>
<td class="highlight">5</td>
<td class="highlight">11</td>
<td class="highlight">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="13">WP: CC Sabathia (5 - 0) <br> SV: Rafael Soriano (1) <br> LP: David Price (5 - 2)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><i>For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check our our blog <a href="http://pinstripealley.com/">Pinstripe Alley </a>and <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/">SB Nation New York</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/10/3013409/new-york-yankees-tampa-bay-rays-score-box-score-recap-al-east-standings-cc-sabathia-david-priceLouis Bien2012-05-10T13:25:05-04:002012-05-10T13:25:05-04:00David Robertson Implodes -- And Yankees Universe Shudders
<figure>
<img alt="NEW YORK, NY - MAY 09: David Robertsoof the New York Yankees reacts after giving up a 3 RBI home run to Matt Joyce #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 9, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Anj8y1RpTte_Muj29M6-17Ipc1M=/15x0:984x646/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6863238/144111432.jpg" />
<figcaption>NEW YORK, NY - MAY 09: David Robertsoof the New York Yankees reacts after giving up a 3 RBI home run to Matt Joyce #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 9, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>You knew that what happened Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium would happen eventually. There would be a game where <span>David Robertson</span>, closing in the injured <span>Mariano Rivera's</span> place, would blow a game. Robertson did that in grand fashion Wednesday in his second save opportunity since Rivera wrecked his knee, turning a 1-0 victory into a 4-1 defeat. </p>
<p>The question is, what happens now? Does Robertson, an All-star setup man a season ago and one of the league's dominant relievers since the beginning of 2011, bounce back? Does he crack under the glare of the ninth inning -- especially what should be Rivera's ninth inning?</p>
<p>Welcome to the ninth inning the way the rest of baseball knows it, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> fans. Where your closer is just like everybody else's closer and not the best closer ever.</p>
<p>"From our standpoint there's a different vibe in that<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yankees-mariano-rivera-grateful-saved-time-blood-clot-discovered-article-1.1075540"> they can't shorten the game</a> they way they could," said Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon.</p>
<p>While Yankees fans try to digest what happened Wednesday, and run to the store for the antacid pills they will need to watch Robertson negotiate ninth innings the way John Wetteland used to -- like it was a high-wire act -- let's look at some of the reaction</p>
<p>From<a href="http://www.myyesnetwork.com/16197/blog/2012/05/10/robertson_the_right_man_for_the_job"> Jack Curry of the YES Network</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Without Rivera, the ninth will be different for the Yankees. It will be more adventurous and more nerve-wracking. Robertson can fill Rivera’s role, but he probably won’t be as smooth as Rivera. Whereas Rivera’s cut fastball caused batters to swing early in the count and could result in a 10-pitch inning and three broken bats, Robertson’s innings are usually more draining. Robertson averages 12 strikeouts per nine innings so there will be deeper counts. He also walks more batters than Rivera so that will add to the drama. <br><br> Still, Robertson doesn’t have to be an exact replica of Rivera to thrive as a closer. In fact, he can’t be an exact replica of Rivera. No one can. It would be silly to think Robertson could do that. But Robertson has an explosive fastball, a great curveball and a steely confidence, which means he has the tools to be a premier closer. He is the right pitcher for the job, a job that even the mighty Rivera had to grow into 15 years ago.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>From Jon Lane, <a href="http://www.myyesnetwork.com/12461/blog/2012/05/10/dont_worry_about_robertson">also writing for YES</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Seriously? One blown save and there are those, albeit a small segment, who don’t believe David Robertson is cut out to be "Mariano Rivera’s replacement?" <br><br> "I’ll see how he reacts," Girardi said. "Take a look at his eyes (today), at his face, and make an evaluation of what I have to do. Being the closer is a little bit like being that kicker with two seconds to go and you’ve got a 45-yard field goal. You either make it and you’re the hero or you’ve got to find a way to bounce back. The great ones find a way to bounce back." <br><br> Rather than ridiculously put him out to pasture after one failure, put Robertson in the great category. His challenge will be getting better. He deserves the concept of time, trial and error before he receives final judgment.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>From <a href="http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2012/05/yankees_david_robertson_must_b.html">NJ.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Back away from the panic button. Realize it was one game. Then, get used to it. There is no equivalent to Mariano Rivera. To compare Robertson or any other reliever to him is simply unfair. Yankee fans have been spoiled by Rivera since 1997. Now, they find themselves experiencing life in the ninth inning the way that fans of the other 29 teams know it. <br><br> Does that mean it's going to be a long year? Well, only if you think that Robertson suddenly is incapable of pitching well. And if you think that, you're also ignoring a solid track record that says otherwise. I imagine that Robertson is going to take his lumps like everybody else. But he clearly has the skills to be just fine. <br><br> "It’s important for him to bounce back and say, ‘you know what? I have to turn the page.’" Girardi said. "It’s no different than giving up the lead in the eighth inning, in a sense, and you give up four runs. You have to be able to bounce back and say, ‘It happens.’ It happens to the greatest guys. You’d like to say it will be the last time, but my guess is it won’t be. That’s the life of a closer."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Robertson himself took to Twitter after the game. Here is his series of tweets:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I expected to be slaughtered tonight on twitter, but the support y'all have shown reminds me how amazing Yankee fans are.</p>
— David Robertson (@DRob30) <a href="https://twitter.com/DRob30/status/200438363189288960" data-datetime="2012-05-10T04:13:24+00:00">May 10, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Tonight sucked, but if there is one thing Mo has shown me it's how important it is to turn the page.</p>
— David Robertson (@DRob30) <a href="https://twitter.com/DRob30/status/200438614008668161" data-datetime="2012-05-10T04:14:24+00:00">May 10, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Yankees fans need to remember that Rivera's career -- as great as it has been -- has included plenty of failure. Not as much as most closers, of course, but there has been failure. And this won't be the last of Robertson's failures, either. </p>
<p>Just stock up on the antacid, Yankees fans. You'll be fine, and Robertson will be fine. There will, however, be bumps in the road.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/10/3012053/david-robertson-new-york-yankees-blown-save-mariano-riveraEd Valentine2012-05-10T10:02:35-04:002012-05-10T10:02:35-04:00Yankees (16-14) Vs. Rays (20-11): Game Time, TV Schedule And More
<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>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> will play host to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> on Thursday night in the rubber match of their three game set. </p>
<p>The Yankees are seeking to avoid consecutive home losses to the first place Rays, and will turn to their ace C.C. Sabathia to carry the load. Sabathia will be opposed by Tampa's stud young left hander <span>David Price</span>, who is off to a strong 5-1 (2.35 ERA) start this season.</p>
<p>New York received a solid effort from its bullpen last night until new closer (or at least the guy we assume will continue to be the closer) <span>David Robertson</span> allowed four ninth inning runs. He'll need to flex some resolve if another save opportunity presents itself on Thursday night.</p>
<p><b>Game Time: </b>7:05 p.m. EST</p>
<p><b>TV Coverage:</b> YES</p>
<p><i>For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check our our blog <a href="http://pinstripealley.com/">Pinstripe Alley </a>and <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/">SB Nation New York</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/10/3011446/new-york-yankees-2012-mlb-schedule-tampa-bay-rays-game-time-tv-cc-sabathia-david-priceField Yates2012-05-09T23:45:15-04:002012-05-09T23:45:15-04:00Yankees Vs. Rays Final Score: David Robertson Blown Save Hands Tampa Bay 4-1 Win
<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>Fans of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> did not leave the stadium feeling any better about missing <span>Mariano Rivera</span> on Wednesday night. In his second save opportunity since taking the closer job from the injured Rivera, <span>David Robertson</span> allowed four runs, blowing a save and handing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> a 4-1 win.</p>
<p>With two men on, <span>B.J. Upton</span> hit a sacrifice fly that tied the game. Next up was <span>Matt Joyce</span> who hammered the ball to right field for a three-run shot.</p>
<p>Yankees starter <span>David Phelps</span> struggled himself through nearly five innings of work, walking four, but not allowing any runs to score. The bullpen kept the Rays off the board until the ninth.</p>
<p>New York's lone run came in the first when <span>Robinson Cano</span> smacked a double that sent <span>Derek Jeter</span> home.</p>
<p>The Yankees have one more game against the Rays on Thursday before a three-game set at home against Seattle over the weekend.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check our our blog <a href="http://pinstripealley.com">Pinstripe Alley </a>and <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com">SB Nation New York</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/9/3011011/new-york-yankees-tampa-bay-rays-score-box-score-recap-al-east-standings-david-phelpsRyan Van Bibber2012-05-09T11:47:37-04:002012-05-09T11:47:37-04:00Yankees (16-13) Vs. Rays (19-11): Game Time, TV Schedule And More
<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>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> will battle in the middle game of their series on Wednesday night in Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p>New York won last night behind two <span>Raul Ibanez</span> home runs 5-3. Now the Yanks will send <span>David Phelps</span> to the mound in search of his first win.</p>
<hr>
<center>
<b>Related:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/9/3010221/mariano-rivera-injury-yankees-complications-blood-clot-right-calf/in/2761763">Mariano Rivera Complication Is A Blood Clot</a>
</center>
<hr>
<p>Phelps is 0-1, losing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> a week ago. However, he's pitched well to the tune of a 3.74 ERA. Tonight will be Phelps' biggest test of the young season against a Tampa team that might just be the best in baseball.</p>
<p>The Rays come into tonight with <span>Jeff Niemann</span> on the bump. The six-foot-nine starter comes in with just a 2-3 record and a 4.05 ERA. He's been hot and cold lately, although he did win his last start against Seattle.</p>
<p>Niemann doesn't pitch deep into games however, as he's yet to see the seventh inning.</p>
<p>New York looks to climb within two games of the AL East lead with another victory tonight. The Yankees have C.C. Sabathia on the hill Thursday, so a sweep is possible if Phelps can come up big.</p>
<p>TV: ESPN</p>
<p>Time: 7:05 p.m. ET</p>
<p><i>For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check our our blog <a href="http://pinstripealley.com">Pinstripe Alley </a>and <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com">SB Nation New York</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/9/3009589/new-york-yankees-2012-tampa-bay-rays-game-time-tv-david-phelps-jeff-neimannMatt Verderame2012-05-08T23:55:11-04:002012-05-08T23:55:11-04:00Yankees Vs. Rays Final Score: Raul Ibanez Hits 2 Home Runs In 5-3 New York Win
<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><span>Raul Ibanez</span> hit two home runs Tuesday night to help give the New York Yankees a 5-3 victory in Game 1 of their three-game series at Yankee Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ibanez took starter <span>James Shields</span> deep to right field to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. He added a solo-shot off <span>Burke Badenhop</span> in the seventh for what would prove to be the winning run.</p>
<hr>
<center>
<b>Related:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/9/3009398/michael-pineda-injury-new-york-yankees-spring-training-2013-jesus-montero-trade/in/2736788">Injured Michael Pineda Vows To 'Come Back Real Strong'</a>
</center>
<hr>
<p><span>Ivan Nova</span> improved his record to 4-1 on the season. He gave up six hits and two earned runs in seven innings with eight strikeouts. He didn't let the Rays on the board until the sixth when <span>Jose Molina</span> belted a solo home run to left to start the inning. Nova gave up another solo shot to <span>Luke Scott</span> before getting the last two outs of the inning on a pop fly and strikeout.</p>
<p><span>Curtis Granderson</span> hit another home run in the fifth inning for his 10th on the year. Mark Texeira capped scoring with a double to score <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> in the eighth. <span>David Robertson</span> struck out <span>Carlos Pena</span> with the bases loaded to end the ninth inning in his first save opportunity since <span>Mariano Rivera</span> went down with a torn ACL.</p>
<p></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 - 5.8.2012 </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="loss"> <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> </span></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td class="highlight">3</td>
<td class="highlight">8</td>
<td class="highlight">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> </span></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>X</td>
<td class="highlight">5</td>
<td class="highlight">8</td>
<td class="highlight">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="13">WP: Ivan Nova (4 - 1) <br> SV: David Robertson (1) <br> LP: James Shields (5 - 1)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><i>See <a href="http://pinstripealley.com/" target="_blank">Pinstripe Alley </a>for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/8/3008787/new-york-yankees-tampa-bay-rays-score-box-score-recap-ivan-nova-al-east-mlbLouis Bien2012-05-08T16:30:54-04:002012-05-08T16:30:54-04:00Andy Pettitte Return: Yankees GM Says Pettitte To Start Sunday Vs. Mariners
<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><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</a> pitcher <span>Andy Pettitte's</span> comeback to the major leagues will begin in earnest on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Mariners</a>, according to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman (<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7905790/new-york-yankees-brian-cashman-says-andy-pettitte-start-sunday-seattle-mariners">via ESPN NY</a>).</p>
<p>Pettitte, 39, made four starts in the minor leagues during his warmup for a return to MLB action after a year-long retirement. Pettitte was 0-2 in those minor league games and had a 3.71 ERA.</p>
<hr>
<center>
<b>Related:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/9/3009398/michael-pineda-injury-new-york-yankees-spring-training-2013-jesus-montero-trade/in/2736788">Injured Michael Pineda Vows To 'Come Back Real Strong'</a>
</center>
<hr>
<p>Pettitte's last start in the majors was Oct. 18, 2010 against Texas in the ALCS. He finished that All-Star season with a record of 11-3 and an ERA of 3.28.</p>
<p>Overall, Pettitte has a record of 240-138 with an ERA of 3.88. He has struck out 2,251 batters during his MLB career which has been solely with the Yankees save for three years with the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> (2004-2006). Pettitte is also 19-10 as a postseason starter with an ERA of 3.83.</p>
<p>Cashman did not say which pitcher would be removed from the Yankees rotation. It seems likely, however, that rookie David Phelps would return to the bullpen. Phelps makes his second big-league start Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.</p>
<p><i>See <a href="http://pinstripealley.com/" target="_blank">Pinstripe Alley </a>for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/8/3007932/andy-pettitte-return-yankees-vs-seattle-marinersPat Johnston2012-05-08T10:42:21-04:002012-05-08T10:42:21-04:00Yankees (15-13) Vs. Rays (19-10), 7:05 P.M. ET: Ivan Nova Vs. James Shields
<figure>
<img alt="Alex Rodriguez (13), Nick Swisher (33) and Robinson Cano (24) of the New York Yankees celebrate a 10-4 win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium May 6, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IQuAvdicOUIcBrr4rHze8a_PDI4=/0x17:999x683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6829655/143968868.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Rodriguez (13), Nick Swisher (33) and Robinson Cano (24) of the New York Yankees celebrate a 10-4 win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium May 6, 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New York Yankees begin a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays, co-leaders in the American League East, Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium (7:05 p.m. ET). A series in the second week of May can hardly be considered critical for the 15-13 Yankees, 3.5 games behind the 19-10 Rays and Baltimore Orioles, but these games are certainly important for New York.</p>
<p>The Rays swept a season-opening three-game series from the Yankees in April, and the Yankees have been up-and-down ever since.</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> MLBN, YES <br><b>Radio: </b>WADO 1280, WCBS 880</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget division_standings clearfix">
<h3>AL East Standings</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<table cellspacing="0" class="standings zebra">
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>PCT</th> <th>GB</th> <th>STRK</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore</a></td>
<td>19</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>.655</td>
<td>0</td>
<td class="td-last">Lost 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay</a></td>
<td>19</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>.655</td>
<td>0</td>
<td class="td-last">Lost 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto</a></td>
<td>16</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>.551</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">Lost 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York</a></td>
<td>15</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>.535</td>
<td>3.5</td>
<td class="td-last">Won 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston</a></td>
<td>12</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>.428</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td class="td-last">Won 1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="updated">(updated 5.8.2012 at 10:20 AM EDT)</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>Ivan Nova (3-1, 5.58 ERA) pitches tonight for the Yankees against James Shields (5-0, 3.05 ERA). Wednesday David Phelps (0-1, 3.74) pitches for the Yankees against Jeff Neimann (2-3, 4.05). Thursday aces CC Sabathia of the Yankees (4-0, 4.15) and David Price (5-1, 2.35) match up.</p>
<p>The Yankees have been led offensively this season by Derek Jeter, hitting an AL-leading .397. Evan Longoria is hitting .329 with four home runs and 19 RBI for the Rays.</p>
<p><i><span style="line-height: 16px;">-- </span></i><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/8/3007308/2012-new-york-yankees-news-mariano-rivera-injury-update-torn-acl-complications/in/2761763" target="_blank">'<i>Compications' for Mariano Rivera</i></a><i><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br></span></i><i>-- <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-yankees/2012/5/8/3007048/andy-pettitte-return-yankees-to-decide-on-tuesday">Andy Pettitte decision coming Tuesday</a></i><i><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br>-- See </span><a href="http://pinstripealley.com" target="_blank">Pinstripe Alley</a><span style="line-height: 16px;"> for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees</span></i></p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix">
<h3>Current Series</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<h4>3 game series vs Rays @ Yankee Stadium</h4>
<table class="zebra">
<tbody>
<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_590760039" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_590760039_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_1153198029" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_1153198029_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>Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 7:05 PM EDT</span><br> Yankee Stadium</p>
<p class="pitchers"><span>James Shields</span> vs <span>Ivan Nova</span></p>
<p class="weather"> Cloudy. Winds blowing from right to left field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 60.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Wed 05/09</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>7:05 PM EDT</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Thu 05/10</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>7:05 PM EDT</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1336488032048"></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/5/8/3007067/new-york-yankees-2012-mlb-schedule-tampa-bay-rays-al-east-game-time-tv-ivan-nova-james-shieldsEd Valentine