Overview
- The Rays lead the best-of-five ALDS 2-0 after a 5-2 Game 2 victory that included four Yankees errors and have a chance to clinch the series in Game 3 in New York.
- New York’s offense has been stifled, producing just two runs and five total hits through the first two games, and three first-inning errors in Game 2 helped open the door for Tampa Bay.
- Max Fried will start Game 3 for the Yankees and Nick Martinez is expected to pitch for the Rays, with Boone saying he is considering lineup changes to try to spark a stagnant offense.
- Tampa Bay has used minimal traditional bullpen help so far, leaving its relievers fresher for later in the series, and the Rays staged an official Tropicana Field watch party for fans during Game 3.
- Historically, teams up 2-0 in a best-of-five advance about 89% of the time, a statistic that increases pressure on the Yankees and sharpens scrutiny of defensive lapses and managerial decisions.