The Tampa Bay Rays welcomed the New York Yankees to Tropicana Field for a three game series Friday night on the heels of a four game winning streak. The red-hot Rays offense would face off against Gerrit Cole, while the struggling Yankees would have to deal with Zach Eflin, the winningest pitcher in the American League, coming into the game.
Cole was as advertised, tossing 7.2 strong innings, surrendering just two earned runs while striking out eleven. He didn't allow any free passes, and the Rays didn't have an at-bat with a runner in scoring position until the eighth inning following a Jose Siri steal.