Jonathan Loaisiga pitched five scoreless innings in his big-league debut and Gary Sanchez notched three RBI in a satisfying 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
The big story entering the game was the pitching matchup, as there was intrigue on both sides. Loaisiga was making a rather surprising spot start for the Yankees in his first-ever appearance above Double-A Trenton. For the Rays, former-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi was making his return to the Bronx in just his fourth start after 2016 Tommy John Surgery.
Both arms held up their end of the pitcher’s duel.