The New York Yankees started the double card against the Tampa Bay Rays with a 2-0 win at Yankee Stadium, supported by one of the most dominant performances of Carlos Rodon during the season and in a timely hit of Cody Bellinger.

It was one of those games in which New York did not need to produce many races. Pitching did practically all the work and the offense took advantage of one of their best opportunities to build an advantage that ended up being enough.

Rodon kept Tampa Bay off the score for eight innings and allowed only three hits. The Rays never found a way to establish a constant attack against the left-hander, while the Yankees played a clean defensive match and protected a two-run lead until the last out.

Carlos Rodón completely controlled Tampa Bay

From the beginning it was clear that Rodón had the repertoire to work deeply in the meeting. The left-hander attacked the area, avoided giving away runners and forced Tampa Bay to seek answers practically every turn.

Rodón completed eight innings without allowing runs, struck out eight batters and did not award bases by balls. More than the number of strikeouts, the way he could stay away from problems during his entire outing drew attention.

One of the few moments of danger came in the seventh inning, when he had to face Junior Caminero with a riding runner. Rodón responded by pulling it through the punch and ended up turning off any attempt at the Rays' reaction.

The afternoon also had a special meaning for the Yankees pitcher. In the eighth episode he reached 1,500 strikeouts in his career by retiring Jonny DeLuca and, with the result, he also achieved the 100th victory of his career in the Major Leagues.

Cody Bellinger found the hit that the Yankees needed

While Rodón dominated from the mound, the New York offensive had to work against Nick Martinez, who also kept the game closed for a good part of his presentation.

The difference came in the fourth inning. Ben Rice He opened the opportunity with a double and, on the next turn, Cody Bellinger attacked the first shot he received from Martinez and sent him to the stands of the right field.

Bellinger's 17th home run in the season produced the only two runs of the match and placed the Yankees up 2-0. From then on, New York did not cross the plate again, but it did not need to expand the advantage either.

Bellinger also contributed with the glove. In the sixth inning he caught a lift from Richie Palacios and made a strong shot towards the initial one to complete a double massacre that ended with another possible threat from Tampa Bay.

Pitching turned two races into a sufficient advantage

With the advantage in his hands, Rodón continued to work without allowing the match to change course. Tampa Bay ended up limited to three hits and was never able to put sustained pressure on the New York defense.

The depth of the start also allowed the Yankees to preserve a good part of their bullpen on a double-header day. Rodón gave the ball after eight episodes and left only three outs to get.

David Bednar He received the responsibility of closing the match in the ninth inning and did the job. The right-hander secured the laundering and got his 35th save of the season.

For the Yankees it was his 15th whitewash of the year and a victory built around a simple formula: a dominant opener, solid defense, a timely hit and a closer capable of protecting the advantage.

A performance that strengthens the New York rotation

Beyond the result, Rodón's presentation left an important sign for the Yankees in the final stretch of the season. Having a starter capable of working eight innings and completely controlling a divisional rival increases New York's options in closed matches, especially when the offensive does not produce in large numbers.

The Yankees finished with five hits and only two runs, but managed to get the most out of their best shot. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, was left unanswered against Rodón and failed to score the bullpen in the last episode.

The victory allowed New York to keep the first game of the double billboard and prevent, at least momentarily, for the Rays to celebrate the American League East Division title in the Bronx.

game finish line

New York Yankees: 2 runs, 5 hits, 0 mistakes.

Tampa Bay Rays: 0 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors.