Rays Sweep Yankees, Advance to ALCS With 4-3 Game 3 Victory

Rays Win Behind Mesa Jr. Home Run to Complete Yankees Sweep

The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the American League Championship Series after completing a stunning three game sweep of the New York Yankees with a 4-3 victory in Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday night.

The Rays took advantage of timely hitting and held off a late Yankees rally to eliminate New York and move one step closer to the World Series. Victor Mesa Jr. delivered the biggest blow of the night, launching a 401-foot two run homer in the sixth inning that gave Tampa Bay the lead for good.

The Yankees appeared to answer moments later when Anthony Volpe hit a two-run home run, but the call was overturned following an umpire review because of fan interference, leaving New York with only one run on the play.

Tampa Bay Strikes First

Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the third inning when Aranda singled to right field, allowing DeLuca to score. Walls attempted to score on the play as well but was thrown out at home, keeping the Rays’ lead at 1-0. The Yankees responded in the bottom half of the inning when Rice lined a single to right, bringing Jones home to tie the game at 1-1.

Tampa Bay regained the lead in the fourth when Vilade launched a 340-foot home run to right field, putting the Rays ahead 2-1. New York answered again in the bottom of the fourth. Jones doubled to left field, scoring Volpe and tying the game at 2-2.

Mesa Jr. Delivers the Game Changing Blow

The decisive moment came in the top of the sixth inning. With Caminero aboard, Mesa Jr. crushed a pitch deep to right center field, sending the ball 401 feet for a two-run homer. Mesa Jr. watched the ball carry out of the park before rounding the bases as Tampa Bay took a 4-2 lead. The homer proved to be the difference as the Rays’ offense delivered when it mattered most.

Volpe’s Home Run Overturned

The Yankees had an opportunity to completely change the game’s complexion in the bottom of the sixth. Volpe appeared to launch a two-run homer after doubling and bringing Lombard Jr. home, with the initial ruling giving New York a potential game tying home run. However, the play was reviewed by the umpires.

After review, the home run call was overturned because of fan interference. Instead of a two-run homer, the Yankees were credited with a run, cutting Tampa Bay’s advantage to 4-3. The Rays managed to protect their one-run lead from there, closing out the Yankees and completing the sweep.

Rays Move On, Yankees Season Ends

The 4-3 victory sends Tampa Bay to the ALCS after a dominant 3-0 series victory over New York. For the Yankees, the loss brings their postseason run to an abrupt end. New York had opportunities throughout Game 3 but could not overcome Tampa Bay’s timely hitting and late-game execution.

For the Rays, Mesa Jr.’s towering home run will stand as the defining moment of a victory that sends them into the next round. Tampa Bay now awaits its ALCS opponent as the Rays continue their pursuit of a trip to the World Series.