Cano and Soriano Lead the Yankees Over Rays 3-2

The New York Yankees backed Ivan Nova with four double plays, and pushed a run across in the 11th inning to win the final game of the series  3-2 over the Tampa Bay Rays. Robinson Cano went three for five with a home run to carry the Yankees on offense.

The top of the 11th saw Alfonso Soriano reach scoring position with a double. He then sprinted to third, sliding in just before the tag of Rays’ third baseman Evan Longoria. Curtis Granderson followed with a long sacrifice fly to bring him home with the final run of the game.

. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Cano’s home run, his 24th of the season, came off of Rays’ starter Alex Cobb. It  got the Yankees on the board in the fourth inning and tied the score at 1-1. Cano then doubled home Ichiro Suzuki in the sixth to put the Yankees up 2-1.

The Rays’ offense was supplied by  Longoria. He got them on the board in the first inning with an RBI single. In the sixth, his 28th home run tied the score at 2-2. Nova had not allowed a home run since the Orioles hit one against him on July 5th.

Nova got tremendous support from the bullpen. Shawn Kelley recorded the final out in the seventh inning. David Robertson pitched both the eighth and the ninth to send the game into extra innings. He was just as dominant in his second inning of work, showing manager Joe Girardi that he is very capable of doing that more often.

Joba Chamberlain and Boone Logan combined for a scoreless tenth inning. Logan got  Jose Lobaton to hit into a double play to end the inning. Mariano Rivera allowed no hits in the 11th to earn his 38th save.

The Yankees now head to Toronto for a three game series against the Blue Jays. Reports indicate that Derek Jeter could be available and in the lineup.