Yankees Beat Rays 6-4

The Yankees (83-63) and the Rays (78-68) met for the final time of the regular season on Sunday afternoon and the Yankees came out on top 6-4. Hiroki Kuroda was solid in his start until the Rays got him for three runs in the sixth inning. Kuroda went six innings gave up four runs on four hits and struck out 10. The win puts Kuroda at 14-10.

The Yankees got on the board in the third inning when they were able to manufacture a pair of runs on Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez RBI singles. The Yankees would also show their power in the inning when Russell Martin lifted an opposite field home run that just barely cleared the right field wall. It was Martin’s 17^th of the season and put the Yankees up 5-0.

In the top of the fourth a Ben Zobrist solo home run would get the Rays on the board. It was Zobrist’s 17^th of the season.

In the bottom of the fourth Alex Rodriguez lifted a fly ball deep enough to right field to score Eduardo Nunez from third. Nunez stole second and third base to get in that position.

Kuroda was cruising along until the sixth inning when he walked James Lobaton and Ben Zobrist then allowed Desmond Jennings to reach on an infield single. Evan Longoria ripped a two run single making the score 6-3, then Matt Joyce grounded into a double play but a run scored making the score 6-4.

The Yankee bullpen would take care of business from there with Rafael Soriano capping it off with his 39^th save of the season.

The Yankees will have Monday off then start a three game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Ricky Romero (8-14 5.87) will go for the Blue Jays while Andy Pettitte (3-3 3.22) makes his return for the Yankees. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30, first pitch at 7:05 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.