Rays 6, Yankees 4: Homeruns and an intentional Balk seal Rays win

Four homeruns hit by the Rays helped them to victory

The Rays won, 6-4, on Sunday afternoon against the Yankees.

Richie Palacios connected for his 5th homerun of the season to lead things off in the first inning.

Meanwhile, Shane Baz showcased a talent for a potential second career as a trapeze artist.

Over 3 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched, Baz allowed four hits and five walks, but managed to work his way out of danger despite just one strikeout. One particular jam was skirted when Juan Soto swung 3-0 and laced a groundball right to Isaac Paredes who initiated a 3-6-1 double play.

In the top of the 4th, Randy Arozarena continued his best impression of General Howe laying siege to New York. Randy connected for his 15th homerun of the season, launching it 420 feet into the left field seats.

The Rays would scratch another run across later in the inning after Josh Lowe reached on an error, stole second, and scored on a Jose Caballero single.

The Rays bullpen took over after Shane Baz departed in the 4th inning, with Garret Cleavinger, Manuel Rodriguez, and Colin Poche all turning in perfect outings. Following Poche’s appearance, Aaron Boone’s time in the game would also come to an end as he argued balls and strikes.

The Rays would take a 5-0 lead in the 7th inning after Jose Siri crushed one to center field for a two run homerun. It was Siri’s 13th longball of the season and in Siri fashion, he put on a show as he rounded the bases.

The Yankees play-by-play guys were none too happy with Siri’s homerun trot. Worth noting that Jose Siri and Randy Arozarena are both tied for the second longest average homerun trots in baseball.

Things grew tense in the bottom of the 7th as the Rays large lead evaporated thanks to Jason Adam surrendering a blast from Aaron Judge, a three run homerun, his 35th of the season.

Edwin Uceta pitched a scoreless 8th for the Rays and Jose Caballero tacked on some insurance in the 9th via a solo homerun, his 7th of the season.

Pete Fairbanks was called upon to preserve the victory, but made things exciting. Juan Soto would double home a run (he was this close to a homerun). Fairbanks and the Rays decided to pitch to Aaron Judge, who could tie the game with one swing, and managed to induce a fly out. Then, some possible gamesmanship as Fairbanks seem to intentionally balk to move Soto from behind him and to third base.

Following the unintentional intentional balk, Fairbanks set down Austin Wells to end the game and give the Rays a 6-4 victory.