The Tampa Bay Rays eliminated the New York Yankees with a 4–3 victory at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 7, completing a three-game sweep of their American League Division Series. AP reported that Victor Mesa Jr.’s two-run homer in the sixth inning broke the tie and sent Tampa Bay into the league championship series for the first time since 2020.
Mesa hit the decisive drive off Max Fried, while Ryan Vilade also homered for the visitors, according to AP. The result ended New York’s postseason and secured Tampa Bay’s third appearance in the American League Championship Series, Field Level Media reported.
The sixth inning also brought a crucial review. Anthony Volpe initially received a two-run home run, but a spectator had reached over the left-field fence and touched the ball. Officials changed the ruling to an RBI double, leaving New York one run behind instead of level, according to Field Level Media. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the final decision was correct.
AP reported that Mesa, 25, had been designated for assignment by Miami before spring training and then traded to Tampa Bay. His decisive swing provided a postseason breakthrough after that uncertain start to the year. Vilade, 27, is with his sixth major league organization and received extensive major league playing time for the first time this season.
Field Level Media reported that Bryan Baker closed the ninth inning for his third save of the series, striking out Trent Grisham to end the game. Rays manager Kevin Cash credited his pitchers’ execution and their ability to limit walks against New York’s lineup.
Tampa Bay will host either the Chicago White Sox or Cleveland Guardians in the next round, with the opener scheduled for Monday, October 12. AP and Field Level Media reported that matchup; the Rays’ official schedule also lists the date. The best-of-seven series will determine which team advances to the World Series.
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