ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Robinson Cano hit a two-run single during a three-run eighth and the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 on Wednesday.
Cano has driven in at least one run in a career-best eight consecutive games, helping the AL East leaders stop a nine-game road losing streak against the Rays.
Alex Rodriguez cut the Yankees’ deficit to 3-2 when he drew a one-out bases-loaded walk, the fourth freebie issued by Kyle Farnsworth (0-1) in the eighth. Jake McGee replaced Farnsworth and allowed Cano’s single that put New York up 4-3.
Farnsworth was making just his second appearance of the season after being out with a strained right elbow.
Carlos Pena hit a two-run shot off Boone Logan (3-0) as the Rays went up 3-1 in the seventh.
After David Robertson pitched a scoreless eighth, Rafael Soriano got the final three outs for his 19th save in 20 opportunities.
Mark Teixeira got the Yankees even at 1-all on a solo homer to start the seventh. Rodriguez followed with a double, but was returned to second after apparently stealing third with one out after it was ruled that plate umpire Mike Estabrook interfered with catcher Jose Lobaton’s throw to third. Andruw Jones then hit a long fly to right that likely would have scored A-Rod.
Rodriguez did steal third with two outs, but the Yankees failed to score when Russell Martin, mired in a 0-for-27 slide, hit a grounder.
David Price, bidding to become the AL’s first 12-game winner but was denied by the Rays’ bullpen implosion, gave up one run and four hits over seven innings. The left-hander departed his previous start last Friday after seven innings due to lower back tightness.
Ben Zobrist walked against New York starter David Phelps, stole second and scored to make it 1-0 on Sean Rodriguez’s single with two outs in the fourth.
Phelps, filling in for injured ace CC Sabathia, allowed one run and two hits over 4 1-3 innings in his first start since May 9. He struck out eight, walked three and hit two batters.
Sabathia is on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained left groin.