The Tampa Bay Rays began a crucial series with the New York Yankees on Friday night and they are hanging on to a tight lead midway through Game 1 of the series.
The Rays' bats were quiet until the fifth inning, when Chris Gimenez led off with a double. He advanced to third on a wild pitch from C.C. Sabathia, and Elliot Johnson knocked him home with a single to right. Desmond Jennings followed that with a single to center, and Evan Longoria picked up an RBI on a double-play ground out, leaving the Rays up 3-1.
A solo home run from Curtis Granderson cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning, and it looked the Yankees were poised to put up more runs. Eduardo Nunez and Derek Jeter both reached on infield singles, but David Price was able to work his way out of the two-on, one-out jam when he got Nick Swisher to fly out and Alex Rodriguez to on a ground out.
Midway through the sixth inning, the Rays lead, 3-2.
Stick with this StoryStream for game updates, previews and more from the Rays vs. Yankees series. For all things Rays, check out DRays Bay. For the Yankees perspective, check out Pinstripe Bible.