The Yankees held the Rays hitless with runners in scoring position in the win.
The New York Yankees got back into the win column Wednesday with a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Here’s how the Yankees won the close game against their division rival:
1. Marcus Stroman bent but didn’t brake.
Although Stroman was not untouchable during his start on Wednesday, the righty only gave up one run. Stroman allowed 10 Rays to reach base during his 4.1 innings of work. Wednesday was the first time in his last five appearances that the Yankees starter allowed one or fewer runs. Stroman handed the baton to the bullpen with the Bronx Bombers in front and a lead that they would hold onto for the rest of the game.
2. The Yankees four bullpen arms provided 4.2 solid innings.
Tim Hill was the first reliever out of the bullpen for Aaron Boone. He inherited a bases-loaded situation with one out in the fifth inning. Hill struck out Josh Lowe and got Randy Arozarena to fly out to keep the Yankees ahead. The lefty allowed the first two hitters to reach base in the sixth inning, but Luke Weaver held the Rays scoreless as well. Tommy Kahnle and Clay Holmes added to a spectacular night from the Yankees bullpen. The four relievers combined to pitch 4.2 scoreless innings in a one-run ballgame.
3. Trent Grisham was the unlikely offensive producer on Wednesday.
The Yankees did not give their pitchers much run support either. The team had six hits in the game and was 0-3 with runners in scoring position. Grisham was the batter who stepped up to drive in both Yankee runs in the win. He hit an RBI double in the second to open the scoring and then drove in another run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning. The Bronx Bombers got their run production out of the seventh spot of their lineup in order to return to the win column.
