NEW YORK -- As pitchers often do, Matt Moore saw his night unravel on ball four.
But, unlike nearly every similar situation, the runner who took first base proved inconsequential. He didn't move a runner over, nor did he get to second base. No, it was Moore's approach on that seemingly run-of-the-mill, full-count pitch that led to his lead and control over the game evaporating in the Rays' 6-3 loss to the Yankees on Friday night.
Holding a 3-2 lead and one out from escaping trouble with Jacoby Ellsbury on third base and Didi Gregorius on second, Moore worked out of the windup and motioned deliberately to home plate.