Game 137: Key Error Leads To 6-4 Loss

The Rays had a golden opportunity to making the American League East race even closer. However, the Yankees proved too much to overcome, as they defeated Tampa 6-4.

Tampa held a 1-0 lead before the Yankees scored three runs in the top of the fourth inning. An Alex Rodriguez double plated the first run of the inning, and was followed up by a ground rule by Russell Martin, scoring Robinson Cano and Rodriguez to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. The Rays tied the game in the bottom of the fifth, rallying with two out in the frame. Sam Fuld walked, and moved to third on Desmond Jennings‘ single. Ben Zobrist then tripled to deep center, plating both runners.

Both teams traded home runs in the sixth, before the Yankees put the game away in the seventh. With runners on second and third, Derek Jeter grounded to second. Elliot Johnson threw the ball away trying to peg the runner at home, allowing both runners to score, giving the Yankees a 6-4 lead. The Rays put runners on first and second with two out in the bottom of the inning, however Matt Joyce popped out to short to end the threat.

Matt Moore took the loss, allowing six runs – four earned – on eight hits and a walk over 6.1 innings of work. Moore struck out nine batters, as his record fell to 10-9 on the year. Evan Longoria was 2-4 with an RBI in the loss.