The Yankees (16-14) couldn’t hold on to a one run lead in the ninth inning and ended up losing to the Rays (20-11) 4-1 on Wednesday night. The Rays who were held scoreless until the ninth inning rallied off of Yankees closer David Robertson who blew his first save in his second opportunity since assuming the role. Robertson who loaded the bases in the ninth for the second night in a row wasn’t able to work out of the jam this time.

Sean Rodriguez lead off the ninth with a single, Brandon Allen singled and Ben Zobrist walked. Robertson then struck out Carlos Pena, looking like he might get out of this yet again. BJ Upton then tied the game with a RBI sac-fly. The next batter was Matt Joyce who lifted a 3-run home run just over the right field wall. The runs scored were the first against Robertson this season.

The lone Yankee run came in the first inning. Derek Jeter who led off the inning with a single scored thanks to a Robinson Cano RBI double later on in the inning, it was Cano’s ninth RBI.

Yankees starter David Phelps pitched well in his second career start. In 4 2/3 innings Phelps gave up no runs on three hits and struck out three. Rays starter Jeff Niemann went seven innings gave up one run six hits and struck out five.  Closer Fernando Rodney was the winning pitcher.

The Yankees and Rays will play again Thursday evening. The Yankees will send CC Sabathia (4-0 4.15) to the mound while the Rays send David Price (5-1 2.35). Pre game starts at 6:30, first pitch at 7:05 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.

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