Jose Caballero hit a tiebreaking double in the 10th inning as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays earned a 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday afternoon.
The Rays won for the seventh time in 11 games by putting together a rally against Caleb Ferguson (0-3).
Caballero lined a fly ball that went over center fielder Alex Verdugo’s head and automatic runner Richie Palacios easily scored from second base. After stealing third, Caballero trotted home with Tampa Bay’s second run on a single by former New York catcher Ben Rortvedt.
Jason Adam (1-0) pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to set up for Caballero. Adam retired Juan Soto on a fly ball to the left field warning track, struck out Aaron Judge and retired Anthony Rizzo on another fly ball.
Garrett Cleavinger pitched a perfect 10th to earn his first career save.
Following a pregame ceremony to honor newly retired radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling, the Yankees were dealt their fourth defeat in six games. New York also got blanked for the third time this season and second time at home.
New York starter Nestor Cortes navigated through trouble at times and allowed six hits in seven innings. The left-hander struck out a season-high nine hitters, did not walk a batter and pitched his second-longest outing of the season.
Tampa Bay’s Zach Eflin matched Cortes, allowing three hits in six innings. Eflin allowed two hits to Soto and fanned Judge three times.
Cortes was helped by center fielder Trent Grisham’s strong throw to get Rene Pinto trying to advance on Yandy Diaz’s single to end the third.
He struck out the side in the fourth and stranded two runners apiece in the fifth and sixth.
–Field Level Media
