Yankees End Rays Losing Streak With 5‑1 Win

Schlittler Delivers Long Outing for Yankees

Cam Schlittler tossed eight innings in a winning effort, his secondSuch start of the season, allowing just four hits while striking out eight and walking none. The right‑hander improved to 9‑5 and bounced back from a rough start against Detroit where he surrendered a career‑high six runs. This was Schlittler’s longest assignment since his eight‑inning win over the Boston Red Sox on April 23. His steady pitching anchored the Yankees’ defense and limited the Rays to a single run through the first eight frames. The performance marked a rebound for the young pitcher after a rough outing earlier in the month.

Caballero Powers Yankees With Two Homeruns

José Caballero erupted with two home runs, including a 395‑foot blast to left field that gave him his career‑best 10th homer. The first shot came after a trade from the Rays to the Yankees last July, and he added another off Chris Roycroft in the eighth inning. Ben Rice capped the scoring with his 25th home run in the ninth, wrapping up a three‑home‑run night for New York. Those longballs accounted for all of the Yankees’ hits, as the team struck out 17 times against Tampa Bay’s staff. The bats clicked at crucial moments, turning a tight game into a comfortable victory.

Rays Manage Only Late Run Despite Jax’s Early Dominance

Tampa Bay’s starter, Griffin Jax, was sharp early, retiring the first 13 Yankees batters he faced. Jax (4‑6) kept the game scoreless until he issued back‑to‑back walks to Jasson Domínguez and Jazz Chisholm Jr. with one out in the fifth. The Rays finally broke through in the same inning when Chandler Simpson reached on an infield single, moved to second on a fielder’s choice and scored on Richie Palacios’ single. Palacios finished with two of Tampa Bay’s four hits, including the lone RBI. David Bednar sealed the win with a perfect ninth inning, preserving the 5‑1 margin. The Rays fell to 3‑0 in their recent losing streak while the Yankees improved to 5‑1 in the series opener.

Series Set for Tuesday

The clubs continue their four‑game matchup on Tuesday, with Yankees right‑hander Will Warren (7‑3, 3.73 ERA) slated to take the mound. Tampa Bay has yet to announce a starter for the second game. Fans can expect another tightly contested duel as both teams look to gain momentum in the AL East standings. The Yankees aim to build on Schlittler’s solid start, while the Rays will search for a spark after three consecutive defeats. Tuesday’s game promises to be a key point in the ongoing divisional battle.