Yanks drop another to Rays

The Yankees (102-59) lost their third straight game — second to the Rays (84-77) — heading into the postseason last night 5-3.

Quick ‘Cap:
The Rays struck three times in the second and then twice more in the fifth to put away the comeback-less Yankees. Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Jerry Hairston Jr. all had an RBI single, but that was it for the scoring.

Alfredo Aceves allowed two inherited runners to score on his throwing error in the fifth inning, and then didn’t allow any runs for two more innings. Chad Gaudin finished up the seventh and eighth with ease. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
Again, a few everyday starters had the day off, so there’s nothing to worry about, really. Most likely the biggest thing Joe Girardi takes from these games is looking at the young guys.

According to Yes Network, the lower farm teams were in Tropicana Field before the game and listened to a motivational talk from Girardi. He stressed, “You’re not that far away.” He used examples like Ramiro Pena and Francisco Cervelli this season to prove his point.

Line of the Night:
This really was one of the most boring games of the season. Not one Yankee had more than one hit.

Up Next:
A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.10) will try to help his Yankees avoid being swept for the first time since being swept by the Angels before the All-Star Game in July. Rookie Wade Davis  (2-1, 3.45) will try to complete the sweep for the Rays.