Yankees: 1, Rays: 0 - Its a Cole World

Rays are 5-2 against the Yankees this year, and as much as I would like that to keep going, it is going to be a tough sell with Gerrit Cole on the mound, and the Rays would be without Ji-Man “Kryptonite” Choi, for a few days longer, as he works back from injury

Rays got their first hit in the bottom of the 1st inning thanks to the trop, when Austin Meadows pop fly hit the B-ring and dropped into no mans land for a double. But Gerrit Cole was able to get out the inning (a common pattern). Rays had a couple of “chances” against Gerrit Cole, with another one coming in when Yandy Diaz singled to lead of the 2nd inning, but Joey Wendle grouded into a force out, and then Mike Zunino hit into a double play to end the inning.

Colin McHugh opened for the Rays, and did a great job in the first two innings, 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 Ks, and 0 BB

Ryan Yarborough came in relief of McHugh, and although gave up a couple of back to back singles by Judge & Urshela in the 4th inning, was able to escape with no damage. Meanwhile, the Rays’ third of their four total hits of the night came in the bottom of the 4th inning off a soft bunt by Brandon Lowe. Didn’t matter, cause Yandy struck out swinging, and I feel like he NEVER does that.

Top of the 5th inning there was some entertainment as Clint Fraizer got ejected by HP Umpire Bill Miller for disagreeing with balls & strikes.

To be fair, the strikezone was big, but I don’t know if that was the call to argue.

Ryan Thompson came in the top of the 6th in relief of Ryan Yarborough. Yarbs went 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, and 4 K. Pretty serviceable and good start for Yarbs, and I don’t blame Cash for going to Ryan Thompson, and limiting Yarbs to 1 TTO. Thomspon was able to strike out DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 6th inning Randy Arozarena got the 4th and last hit for the Rays off of Yankee pitchers, with a double that was this close to being a HR. Meadows grounded out, and Margot struck out swinging to end the inning.

The only run of the game came in the 7th inning, when Aaron Judge doubled and Gio Urshela singled to put two runners on second & third base with nobody out. After a visit from Kyle Snyder, Ryan Thompson got Luke Voit to hit a 103.9 MPH grounder right at Joey Wendle for the groundout. That would be it for Thompson, as Cash went to LHP Jeffry Springs to get Aaron Hicks on his weaker side, after 3 straight sliders, Hicks hit a long fly ball to Brett Phillips for an out, but allowed Aaron Judge to score easily from third for the only run of the game.

That is really where the game ended, as Gerrit Cole dominated the Rays for another two innings. Working all four of his pitches inside the strikezone, freezing Rays’ bats and when the Rays did swing, they missed wildly.

Cole went 8 innings, gave up 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 12 strikeouts.

The Rays’ pitching held their own as well. With Louis Head came in to relive Jeffrey Springs, Rays pitching in total went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 10 strikeouts. I would take that any day of the week, especially against the Yankees. Just so happened the Rays’ were facing one of (if not the best) pitcher in the American League.

Rays are looking to avoid the sweep tomorrow, with Rich Hill on the bump for the Rays against Jameison Tallion for the Yankees. Gametime is at 7:05 PM