In a classic showdown at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees edged out the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0, thanks to a stellar pitching performance and some timely hitting. This nail-biter of a victory gave the Yankees their first 1-0 win in nearly 22 years, sending their current winning streak to five games.
Rodón Back in Dominant Form
Carlos Rodón took to the mound with something to prove and delivered his best performance of the season. Striking out nine in six scoreless innings, Rodón (2-0) snapped a three-game skid, letting just two hits through without a single walk.
His fastball-slider combo was nothing short of lethal, leaving the Rays’ hitters grasping for answers. With his ERA taking a dive and his swing-and-miss stuff in full force, Rodón’s night was precisely what the Yankees needed as they continue to battle injuries in their rotation.
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Goldschmidt Shines on Both Sides
Paul Goldschmidt was the engine of the Yankees’ offense, tallying three hits in four at-bats and scoring the sole run of the game. His clutch double in the second inning set up Trent Grisham’s game-winning single—a well-placed blooper into right field that sent Goldschmidt sprinting home.
Not just a force at the plate, Goldschmidt flashed his defensive prowess with several key plays at first base. That skillful glove work included a backhand snag and a stretch to complete a tough play in the sixth.
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Bullpen Slams the Door
As Rodón handed the game over with just a thin 1-0 lead, the Yankees' bullpen stepped up and delivered three innings of scoreless relief. Mark Leiter Jr. took control in the seventh, skillfully navigating out of trouble after Jonathan Aranda’s leadoff double turned risky when Aranda’s attempt to stretch it to a triple backfired.
Fernando Cruz then navigated through the eighth, keeping the Rays at bay, while Luke Weaver calmly put away all three batters in the ninth, picking up his second save of the season. This bullpen’s solid performance is quickly becoming one of the strengths of New York’s squad.
Rays Let Opportunities Slip Away
Tampa Bay had its chances but couldn’t convert. A promising fifth inning fizzled when José Caballero, after doubling and advancing to third, was nabbed in a rundown.
Aranda’s leadoff double in the seventh met a similar fate when an aggressive baserunning error got him tagged out at third. Caballero did provide a defensive highlight, soaring to rob Ben Rice of a two-run homer in the eighth, but offense proved elusive for the Rays as Yankee pitchers kept a firm grip on the game.
Yankees Show Winning Versatility
With this victory, the Yankees have improved to an impressive 13-7. Their formula for success is simple, yet lethal: blend remarkable pitching with tight defense.
With Rodón rediscovering his peak form, Goldschmidt leading the charge, and a bullpen that holds strong, this Yankees team is positioning itself as a force to reckon with in the American League. The ability to win tight, low-scoring games signals a team prepared to tackle challenges from all angles.
Up Next: Duel in the Sunshine State
The series continues Saturday with Carlos Carrasco taking the mound for the Yankees, in pursuit of their sixth consecutive win. He faces off against Rays' Shane Baz, who has been formidable with one of the lowest ERAs in the league. Settle in for what promises to be another thrilling contest as both teams seek to assert their dominance.
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