Most people don't have Tampa Bay as a threat this season, but they will have a winning record heading into their weekend series after tackling the New York Yankees 4-1 on Wednesday night. The Rays opened up the scoring with one run in the first inning and then responded to the Yankees tying it up in the top of the second by adding three more in the bottom of the same frame. Starting pitcher Alex Cobb picked up the victory after recording one earned run -- a home run -- on four hits in 5.2 innings pitched.
Rays score early and hold on
All the action happened in the first two innings for Tampa Bay.
Designated hitter Corey Dickerson immediately got things going for the Rays by smacking a solo shot. After the Yankees answered with their own solo home run, the home team was able to play small ball and bring a total of three runs across the plate to take the lead back and extend it to 4-1. That ended up being the final score on the night.
Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Cobb and the rest of his team by capturing the series after the game: "Today obviously was special for Alex to get out there and do his thing. ...Great performance by him, great performance by our bullpen, and the defense played really, really well behind them."
Yankees starter struggles on the mound
It was a rough go for starting pitcher Michael Pineda, who only lasted 3.2 innings and gave up four earned runs on eight hits.
With the threat of giving up more runs in the fourth inning, Pineda was pulled early to allow the bullpen to do the dirty work. Adam Warren shined by going 2.1 innings and striking out four Rays.
As for the offense, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (.455 avg) had the best overall showing by hitting the ball three times in four at-bats and didn't leave anybody on base.
One of those hits was the lone home-run jack in the second inning. However, most of the offense struggled by leaving five runners in scoring position and two players grounding into a double play.
Tampa Bay stays at home to host Toronto over the weekend. The new york yankees will continue their traveling to Baltimore.
