Yankees Shut Out Rays 2-0 Behind Carlos Rodón’s Eight Scoreless Innings

Yankees Delay Rays AL East Celebration

The New York Yankees kept the Tampa Bay Rays from clinching the American League East on Tuesday afternoon, riding a dominant performance from Carlos Rodón and a two-run homer from Cody Bellinger to a 2-0 victory in the first game of a separate-admission doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees entered the day determined to keep the Rays from celebrating the division title, and Rodón did his part in emphatic fashion. The left-hander delivered eight scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out nine and walking none. No Tampa Bay batter advanced as far as second base against him.

The victory was particularly significant for Rodón, who earned the 100th win of his career while also recording his 1,500th career strikeout. He reached the milestone by striking out Jonny DeLuca in the eighth inning.

Had Tampa Bay won, the Rays could have briefly acknowledged clinching the division before potentially celebrating in a much bigger way after the nightcap. Rodón made sure there would be no celebration in the afternoon.

Rodón Looks Ready for October

Rodón was in complete control from the beginning, facing the minimum through six innings and preventing Tampa Bay from generating any serious scoring threat. His performance continued what has been an impressive fourth season with the Yankees.

The Yankees have yet to announce their complete postseason rotation plans, but manager Aaron Boone has said he expects Gerrit Cole to start the American League Wild Card Series. American League Cy Young Award contender Cam Schlittler and Max Fried are also in the mix. That could leave Rodón in line for a potential Game 1 start in the American League Division Series if the Yankees advance and face Tampa Bay.

Boone has already indicated that Rodón will not start Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, suggesting Tuesday’s outing could be his final regular-season start. Rodón is set to finish the regular season with a 7-3 record and a 2.67 ERA across 16 starts.

Bellinger Provides the Offense

While Rodón kept Tampa Bay off the scoreboard, the Yankees received all the offense they needed from Bellinger. After Ben Rice doubled, Bellinger launched a two-run home run to give New York a 2-0 lead. The homer was Bellinger’s 17th of the season and his fifth in his last 12 games. Bellinger also made an impact defensively.

In the sixth inning, he helped double Victor Mesa Jr. off first base following Richie Palacios’ flyout, preventing Tampa Bay from extending the inning. Nick Martinez matched Rodón for much of the afternoon but ultimately took the loss. The Tampa Bay starter allowed two runs and five hits over six innings, with Bellinger’s home run and Rice’s double proving costly. It was Martinez’s first loss since Aug. 18.

Bednar Finishes the Shutout

With Rodón completing eight scoreless innings, David Bednar came on in the ninth and closed out the Yankees’ shutout. Bednar recorded his 35th save in 39 opportunities, securing New York’s 2-0 victory and ensuring Tampa Bay would have to wait at least a little longer before celebrating its division title.

The game also moved at a remarkably quick pace. At two hours and two minutes, it was the Yankees’ fastest game of the season. New York will now turn its attention to the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, while Tampa Bay will have another opportunity to clinch the AL East.