09/22/26 02:26:00
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09/22 14:24 CDT Rodn allows three hits in eight sharp innings as Yanks beat
Rays 2-0 in doubleheader opener
Rodn allows three hits in eight sharp innings as Yanks beat Rays 2-0 in
doubleheader opener
By LARRY FLEISHER
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) --- Carlos Rodn allowed three hits in eight sharp innings and
the New York Yankees prevented the Tampa Bay Rays from clinching the AL East
title with a 2-0 victory in the opener of a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday.
The Yankees (90-66) moved six games ahead of the Red Sox for the AL's top
wild-card spot. Tampa Bay (95-61) has a magic number of two to clinch the AL
East for the fifth time in team history and first since 2021.
Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Tampa Bay starter
Nick Martinez (15-5) and also started a key double play to end the sixth by
throwing out Victor Mesa Jr. at first.
Rodn (7-3) struck out eight and walked none while completing eight innings for
the first time since July 11, 2025, against the Cubs. The left-hander, who
recorded his 100th win, became the 18th active pitcher to reach 1,500 career
strikeouts when he fanned Jonny DeLuca on a slider for the second out of the
eighth.
Rodn also struck out AL MVP candidate Junior Caminero on a slider in the dirt
in the seventh with a runner on after reaching 98 mph on the previous two
pitches.
Rodn threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of 25 hitters and improved to 3-1 in
seven starts since returning from left elbow inflammation last month.
Following a double by Ben Rice off Martinez in the fourth, Bellinger lifted the
next pitch into the right field seats for a 2-0 lead.
After a single by Mesa started the sixth, Richie Palacios lifted a fly ball to
Bellinger. Bellinger made the catch and a strong one-hop throw to first baseman
Luis Garca Jr. to easily complete the double play and get his eighth outfield
assist this year.
Martinez allowed two runs and five hits in six innings. The right-hander struck
out seven and lost for the first time since July 9.
David Bednar retired Yandy Daz for his 35th save in 39 chances and finish New
York's 15th shutout in 2 hours, 2 minutes --- the Yankees' fastest game this
season.
Up next
Tampa Bay RHP Drew Rasmussen (15-5, 2.72 ERA) opposes New York LHP Max Fried
(5-4, 2.63) in the second game.
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