The Tampa Bay Rays took a 2-0 lead in their American League Division Series against the New York Yankees with a 5-2 victory Monday night at Tropicana Field. A win in the next game would advance the Rays to the American League Championship Series.
Richie Palacios was a key contributor for Tampa Bay, delivering a two-run single during a four-run fifth inning that capitalized on New York’s defensive struggles. The inning featured multiple errors by the Yankees, including a misplayed grounder by shortstop George Lombard Jr. which allowed a run to score, and a wide throw on a ground ball that extended the inning. These mistakes helped the Rays build a 5-1 lead.
Tampa Bay starter Freddy Peralta pitched effectively, allowing one run on three hits over 4⅓ innings. After Peralta was relieved, the Rays bullpen—including Cam Booser, Ian Seymour, and closer Bryan Baker—held the Yankees to a single run over the remaining innings. Baker secured a perfect ninth inning for his second save in as many games.
On the Yankees side, Cam Schlittler started but was chased in the fifth inning after allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits with two strikeouts in 4⅓ innings. Rookie Ben Rice provided some offensive spark, hitting two solo home runs that accounted for all of New York’s scoring. Rice’s first homer in the fourth inning broke the Yankees’ scoreless streak in the series and energized the crowd of 40,226, which was dominated by Rays supporters.
New York’s offense has been limited with key hitter Aaron Judge sidelined due to a calf injury. They have scored just two runs in two games. Defensive positioning also factored into the Rays’ success; for example, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was positioned deep on a play that led to a run-scoring groundout.
The series now shifts to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 on Wednesday night, where left-handed pitcher Max Fried is expected to start for New York against Tampa Bay right-hander Nick Martinez. The Yankees, facing potential elimination, will look to reverse their fortunes in front of their home crowd, while the Rays aim to close out the series and advance in the postseason.