Yankees Top Rays, 6-4, Protect AL East Lead

The New York Yankees rode a five-run third inning to a 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees took two out of three games in the series, and helped buoy their chances of staving off the Rays in the AL East race. The win puts the Yankees five games ahead of Tampa Bay for the division.

Russell Martin led the way for the Yankees with a three-run home run in the third inning. Alex Rodriguez knocked in two runs, and Derek Jeter chipped in another RBI. Hiroki Kuroda struck out 10 over six innings, and Rafael Soriano recorded his 40th save of the year.

Matt Moore lost his fourth straight start during a frustrating day for the Rays. The benches were warned after Moore threw behind Curtis Granderson, and manager Joe Maddon was tossed for arguing with home plate umpire Paul Emmel. Ben Zobrist contributed a home run, but it wasn't enough to salvage the day.

The Rays head home to host the Red Sox on Monday, while the Yankees have off on Monday before hosting the Blue Jays.

For more on Tampa Bay, check out DRays Bay. For more info on the Yankees, head over to Pinstripe Bible.