In the end, it was Juan Soto’s explosion that made the difference.
But the at-bat before Anthony Volpe’s three-run homer was just as important.
The shortstop’s RBI single gave the Yankees the lead, continued the momentum generated by the bottom of the standings, and was a much-needed hit for a player who had been struggling.
“When you bring in an infielder, he can hit the ball well over the heads of the infielders,” manager Aaron Boone said after the Yankees beat the Rays 5-3 at Stadium on Friday night. . “We just had a big at-bat there to set up Juan.”
The game turned to the seventh inning, with the Yankees scoring all five runs.
Volpe was in the frame on a 0-for-13 skid after a great start to the season.
His move to the leadoff spot hasn’t worked out as of late, with DJ LeMahieu injured and Gleyber Torres struggling.
In his previous at-bat, he attempted a bunt.
However, he was unable to get past the first baseman and had to settle for a sacrifice hit.
“He almost made a great push bunt,” Boone said. “He thought it was the perfect time because the right side was open before.”
This time, he swung through and singled to center field, giving the Yankees a no-hitter lead.
Soto drove in three runs and Volpe started a 6-4 double play with a line drive from Richie Palacios to close out the game.
The main factor in that seventh inning was a flaw in the glove of the Rays, who were at the bottom of the standings.
Alex Verdugo took advantage of a fielding error by second baseman Curtis Meade with one out.
Jose Trevino took a walk.
Verdugo scored when first baseman Yandy Diaz failed to field Oswaldo Cabrera’s ground ball, setting the stage for Volpe and Soto.
“Cabrera, as you saw, had a great at-bat. He deserved the hit there,” Soto said. “Those people, he too, [Trevino], they were making great pitches and getting on base. That’s what we need. ”
