Matt Joyce Slugs Rays Past Yankees, Robertson

If the last two nights are any indication, saving games for the New York Yankees may prove to be an adventure for David Robertson.  Tuesday night, Robertson worked his way out of a bases-loaded jam to save the 5-3 victory over the Rays.

The Rays missed several scoring opportunities on Tuesday night and look to be heading towards the same fate when they entered the 9th inning on Wednesday.

With the Yankees leading 1-0 , base hits by Sean Rodriguez and pinch-hitter Brandon Allen set the rally in motion for the Rays. Ben Zobrist walked and Carlos Pena struck out with the bases loaded. Rays outfielder B.J. Upton then lifted a sacrifice fly to right  to score Rodriguez.

Matt Joyce then drove a 1-2  pitch into the first row of seats in right field for a three-run homer. Prior to the hit by Joyce, the Rays were 0-20 with runners in scoring position. The home run swing by Joyce also created a bit of a stir. Joyce rolled his ankle badly, but quickly jumped up from the ground to circle the bases on his home run trot.

He was in obvious pain in the celebration at home plate was a bit subdued compared to what it could have been . Joyce quickly took the field at the bottom of the ninth, and declared himself fine after the game, which led to some of his teammates having some fun with his swing via Twitter.  Joyce took plenty of ribbing from his teammates.  From David Price, I hope everyone saw @sweetswingin20 tonight!!! The homer was fantastic but that dismount was pathetic!!! hahaha my head hurts from laughing

Fernando Rodney who has been a valuable addition to the Rays bullpen (2-0),  pitched two scoreless innings for the win.  Robertson on the other hand, was subdued.  ”It’s the worst feeling in the world,” Robertson said. ”You watch when Mo does it, he comes back the next day and he’s the same guy.

He goes right back out there, takes the mound and does his thing. I’m going to have to do that tomorrow.”  Uptons RBI was first run charged to Robertson (0-1) in 27 outings since Aug. 29 last year in Baltimore.