2–0 already ran. 9–2 already ran. 5–2 already ran. Magic number 2 already ran as still open. This is Tuesday’s unused nightcap.
Associated Press, Tuesday, Yankee Stadium: Rays 6, Yankees 1, Game 2 of a day-night doubleheader. Tampa Bay clinched its fifth AL East title — 2008, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2026 — and its first since 2021, when it won 100 games. Home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs. 96–61. Yankees 90–67, a six-game lead with five to play. Game 1’s 2–0 already ran as a delayed clinch. We will not reprint Rodón’s eight as first-day news.
Drew Rasmussen (16–5): 6.2 innings, one hit — Heliot Ramos a leadoff double in the seventh on pitch 97 — 11 strikeouts, three walks, 114 pitches, 72 strikes. First-pitch strikes to 17 of 24. Fourth career double-digit strikeout game. Nine outs from joining Matt Garza (July 26, 2010) as a Rays no-hit pitcher. Kevin Kelly allowed George Lombard Jr.’s RBI single. Cam Booser and Bryan Baker one inning each. Max Fried (5–5): 6.2 innings, four runs, six hits. Taylor Walls a bunt single that started the three-run seventh when first base was left uncovered; he scored three times. Ryan Vilade an RBI groundout in the third. Yandy Díaz two-run singles in the seventh (off John Schreiber) and the ninth — four RBI, AL-leading 175th hit. We will not invent a season home-run count.
AP: Ian Seymour (9–7) versus Gerrit Cole (9–9) is Wednesday night. A listing is not a score. We will not invent it.
What this means for you
If you needed last night’s 2–0, it still happened. If you needed this morning’s unused box, it is 6–1, 11 punchouts, a fifth East. If you needed Wednesday, wait.
Bottom line: 6–1. Rasmussen 11. Díaz four. East clinched. Not 2–0. Not Wednesday.
GLHR NEWS explains the news. Not investment, tax, or trading advice. Do your own work before you act.
