The Tampa Bay Rays have defeated the New York Yankees 4-3 in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, sweeping the series and advancing to the next round of the postseason.
The Yankees had momentum on their side after defeating the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, but the Rays were able to capitalize on timely hitting and strong pitching to take the win. Tampa Bay's Ryan Vilade and Victor Mesa Jr. each hit solo home runs, with Mesa Jr.'s shot to right field in the fifth inning proving to be the decisive blow.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Yankees rookie Anthony Volpe appeared to hit a two-run homer to left field, tying the game at 4-4 and sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, a fan in the first row reached over the wall and touched the ball before it cleared the fence, and the umpires ruled that spectator interference had occurred, negating the home run and leaving Volpe with an RBI double.
The Rays' bullpen was able to shut down the Yankees' offense from that point on, with closer Bryan Baker securing the final three outs and ending the game. The win marks the second time in as many years that the Yankees have been swept by an American League East opponent in the ALDS, following a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last season.
The Rays will now await the winner of the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox ALDS series, with Chicago holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series after Wednesday's 9-3 victory.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
View original reporting →
