The Tampa Bay Rays have been present during a lot of the New York Yankees more recent historic moments and Friday night was no different as the Rays were part of Alex Rodriguez’s final game in pinstripes. Here’s a recap of the series in the Bronx.
Game 1
Yankees 6, Rays 3
In his final game with the Yankees, Rodriguez, who was outright released Saturday and will join the Yankees front office as an advisor and special instructor, was penciled in at DH in the lineup and hit an RBI double off Chris Archer. Rodriguez would also get one final chance to play the field when manger Joe Girardi substituted him at third base for one batter in the ninth inning. Starlin Castro and Aaron Hicks both homered in the game, while Evan Longoria hit his 26th homer of the season. Newly acquired shortstop Matt Duffy made his Rays’ debut and went 1-for-4 on the night.
W: Sabathia (7-9)
L: Archer (6-16)
Game 2
Yankees 8, Rays 4
Despite two homers from Brad Miller, the Rays fell again to the Yankees thanks to the five homers they hit. The Yankees had another historic moment against the Rays, as newly called-up prospects Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge became the first players to homer back to back in their first MLB plate appearances. Masahiro Tanaka would strike out eight over seven innings pitched. Prior to the game, the Yankees recognized the 1996 Yankees to celebrated that team’s 20th anniversary of winning the World Series. Former players such as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and former manger Joe Torre were in attendance.
W: Tanaka (9-4)
L: Andriese (6-4)
Game 3
Rays 12, Yankees 3
The Rays came out swinging Sunday, determined not to be swept in the Bronx and ended up routing the Yankees and starter Luis Severino, who was rocked for seven earned runs on eight hits over just 3.2 innings pitched. Logan Forsythe continued his hot run and is now 19-for-49 and batting .391 with four homers since Aug. 2. Forsythe hit his 14th homer of the season in the third, while Longoria hit two doubles and now has the most hits (73) and RBI (47) by a visiting player in the new Yankee Stadium. Nick Franklin and Corey Dickerson both hit three-run homers, while starter Jake Odorizzi gave up three runs and two homers on five hits over six innings. Prior to the game, the Yankees officially dedicated a Monument Park plaque to the Mariano Rivera. The future Hall of Fame closer had 652 saves in his MLB career.
W: Odorizzi (7-5)
L: Severino (1-8)
The Rays now host the San Diego Padres for a three-game series starting Monday. Here’s a look at the probables:
Mon: Luis Perdomo (5-6) vs. Drew Smyly (4-11)
Tues: Edwin Jackson (3-2) vs. Blake Snell (3-5)
Weds: Christian Friedrich (4-8) vs. Chris Archer (6-16)
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