Yankees 0, Rays 4: Bombers lose first series since May

This game was eerily similar to yesterday’s, except that the Yankees couldn’t even find a way to push a run across the plate. Sonny Gray struggled early, but settled down and kept the team in the game. Unfortunately, the offense was nowhere to be found. This is the first series the Yankees have dropped since they faced the Rangers back in May, and only the second shutout of the year.

The Rays jumped all over Gray from the get-go. Kevin Kiermaier hit a leadoff single, then Jake Bauers hit an RBI double to the corner in left. Back-to-back doubles in the second gave them a 2-0 lead, and a Willy Adames single made it 3-0. After the second inning, Gray retired the next 14 batters he faced. He was cruising along with two outs in the seventh when Adames hit a solo shot just inside the foul pole in right field. That was enough to end Gray’s day. Chasen Shreve took over and worked his way into a bases loaded jam, but struck out Wilson Ramos to end the inning.

Just like yesterday, the Yankees did have a few chances to score early. In the second inning, Giancarlo Stanton hit a leadoff double down the first base line. He tagged up and took third after Aaron Hicks lined out to deep center. With one out and a runner on third base, Greg Bird struck out swinging. Stanton was left stranded after Miguel Andujar grounded out. The Yankees proceeded to waste a leadoff double by Austin Romine in the third inning too. Didi Gregorius’ two singles counted as the only other hits of the game.

This team has only scored ONE run over the last 25 innings. In their defense, they had plenty of hard-hit balls today, but they were hit right at the Rays. Let’s hurry up and get out of Tropicana Field.

Blake Snell was originally scheduled to start tomorrow’s game, but it appears that the plan has changed. MLB.com shows Ryne Stanek as the starter, even though that would be his third day pitching in a row. Domingo German will take the mound for the Yankees. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 ET on YES.