Yanks Go Yard Recap: Nova Strong But Offense Weak As New York Yankees Split Series With Tampa

When Ivan Nova was sent down in May, it wasn’t going to be for the rest of the year. He was given a chance to work on some things and get himself right again. He did that in AAA and was given a chance to come back up to the bigs and prove himself again. Nova did his job, but the offense didn’t pick him up, as the Rays beat the Yankees 3-1.

June 23, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder

(45) reacts after striking out in the 9th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman-The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports

The Rays took an early lead. Matt Joyce led off with a single and was bunted over to second. Ben Zobrist singled in Joyce. The Yankees responded in the bottom half of the first off Rays’ starter Chris Archer. Brett Gardner led off with a single and went to second on Kelly Johnson‘s error. He went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on Robinson Cano‘s sac fly.

Each team would have opportunities. Travis Hafner couldn’t cash in with two on and two out in third.  David Adams‘ slump continued as he grounded into a double play with two men on in the fourth. Jose Molina grounded into an inning ending double play in the sixth.

The Rays broke through in the seventh with two out. Desmond Jennings was hit by Nova. Zobrist was as well which ended Nova’s day. Shawn Kelley came in and walked Longoria to load the bases. Boone Logan came in to pitch to James Loney and Loney delivered a two run single to give the Rays the lead for good.

YGY Player Of The Game: Loney

After a day off, the homestand continues against the Texas Rangers. Yu Darvish will go for Texas and it looks like Hiroki Kuroda will as Phil Hughes will get pushed back. First pitch at 7:05.

Notes:  To make room for Nova, Thomas Neal was sent to AAA.