Yankees, Rays in Search of Wins Ahead of Break
Both the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays face challenges heading into their three-game series beginning Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Yankees have struggled with a record of 6-16 since June 13 and have not won two games in a row during this stretch. Similarly, the Rays are coming off a difficult stretch after being swept by the Texas Rangers in a three-game series that ended in a 13-2 loss on Sunday, their most narrow defeat in nearly a year. In that series, the Rays were outscored 20-5.
Rays’ Offensive Challenges
In response to the team’s recent difficulties, Rays manager Kevin Cash stated, “Their pitchers did a good job.” We should be able to play better baseball and come up with ways to score runs, I hope. Tampa Cove should figure out how to light their offense against a division opponent to invert their fortunes.
Recent Series Against the Red Sox for the Yankees
The Yankees are coming off a 3-0 loss on Sunday to the Boston Red Sox, which decided the rubber game of their three-game series. In their previous seven series, New York has failed to win, going 0-6-1. Aaron Boone, the manager of the Yankees, voiced his frustration: It feels horrible. To participate in this game, you need to be a little sick. You need to be able to weather it, so you want your stretch, where there is a bump in the road, not to be like that. However, everything is right in front of us. We have an extreme excursion coming.”
Positive Performances Despite Challenges
Despite the loss, the Yankees’ starting pitcher Luis Gil was a bright spot, allowing just one run and four hits over six and a half innings. Boone desires to expand on this presentation:
” We should go out there and play our game based on Luis’ performance, but this is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. Now is the time to try to motivate guys. Get the guys moving and, hopefully, get ready for the All-Star break well.
Matchup of Pitchers: Ryan Pepiot vs. Carlos Rodon
Carlos Rodon: For the first game, the Yankees will send lefty Carlos Rodon to the mound (9-6, 4.45 ERA). After losing his previous four starts, Rodon wants to get out of his personal slump. In Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, he pitched 5 1/3 innings and gave up three runs and three hits. By and large, Rodon has battled against the Beams, with a 0-2 record and a 4.82 Time in six profession begins.
Ryan Peterson: Right-hander Ryan Pepiot (4-5, 4.40 ERA), who has only won once since April, will provide the Rays with a counterpunch. Pepiot lost his previous start to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, going four innings and allowing two runs and four hits in a 4-2 defeat. Pepiot said, “Everything I threw over the plate, they either fouled it off or put it in play,” as he reflected on his performance. I was either trying to do a little bit too much or trying to nibble a little bit on the edges, which either made the counts go longer or led to me throwing a ball that they would take. I think (it was) a smidgen of order issues, yet I assume I was simply making a solid attempt to get miss or more vulnerable contact.” Pepiot will make his first appearance against the Yankees in this game.
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Series Outlook
Before the All-Star break, both teams need to win to gain momentum. Earlier this season, the Yankees defeated the Rays successfully, winning two of their first two series. However, in order for both teams to overcome their recent setbacks, they will need strong performances from their pitchers and an increase in their offensive output.
In this crucial series, the Yankees and Rays will play each other. Both teams want to be successful before the break. The first game of the series, which features Rodon and Pepiot on the mound, looks like it will be crucial in establishing the tone.