Yankees vs Rays Recap: Rays Rally Past NYY 5-3

The Yankees visited the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, April 10. New York wanted a win to show its pitching depth, while Tampa Bay hoped its rotation could hold. The game took place in Tampa Bay, and the Rays won 5–3. Early offense came fast, but a big play in the first inning changed the tone. The Yankees scored two runs quickly, then Tampa Bay answered with a two-run homer. That swing made the game feel even. Both teams battled through pitchers and hitters, and the crowd watched two strong pitching staffs trade tense innings before the Rays pulled ahead.

New York struck first in the top of the first inning with two quick runs. Cody Bellinger hit a sacrifice fly that scored Aaron Judge, and then Oswaldo Cabrera's teammate Rafael Rosario tripled to bring in a run. Those plays came with two outs and changed the early momentum, although Tampa Bay answered right away. In the bottom of the first, José Díaz hit a two-run homer that tied the game. Pitchers from both sides settled in after that, but the first inning showed how one swing or a fly ball can flip the scoreboard in a hurry.

The turning point came in the second and sixth innings when Tampa Bay pushed ahead with steady hitting. In the second, a fielder's choice scored a run and gave the Rays a 3–2 lead. Later, in the sixth, a Simpson single scored Williamson and then an Aranda groundout pushed another run home. Those plays made it 5–2, and New York could not fully come back. The Yankees did hit a big solo home run in the eighth, as Rice launched one over the center field wall, but the late blast only made the score 5–3. Tampa Bay finished strong and held on for the win.