
NEW YORK (CBS) If the Rays thought New York would take it easy on them during this three-game series, they need to think again. Tampa Bay has dropped two straight games at Yankee Stadium and fell 2 1/2 games back behind Boston in the AL Wild Card race.
After last night’s shutout loss, the Rays dropped a 4-2 heart breaker this afternoon, allowing the Yankees to control their playoff fate during a crucial late season showdown with Boston.
READ MORE: 'Life Ended Too Soon': Endangered Amur Tiger Dies After Artificial Insemination Procedure At Cheyenne Mountain ZooNew York could diminish the Rays’ playoff hopes if they complete the sweep and win the second game of a day/night double header which kicks off tonight at 7 PM ET.
James Shields started this afternoon and went 7 1/3 innings allowing four earned runs on six hits. He gave his team a chance to score some runs and pounce early on New York, but the Rays’ bats remained dormant.
READ MORE: Florida Bill Would Reduce Prison Time, Save Millions In Taxpayer DollarsDesmond Jennings drove in the only two runs for Tampa Bay with his two-run homer in the third, but it wouldn’t be enough to quiet the heavy-hitting Yankee lineup.
The Rays held a 2-1 lead in the eighth, but a quick homer from Eduardo Nunez tied the game at two apiece. J.P Howell came on for Shields in the eighth and quickly gave up a two-run double to Robinson Cano to put the Yankees up 4-2.
MORE NEWS: Stimulus Check Update: When Might Your $1,400 Economic Relief Payment Arrive?It all happened so suddenly, and now the Rays see themselves 2 1/2 back with seven games remaining on their schedule. At this point it is out of their hands, and you can hear Boston shouting, “Catch me if you Can.”