Yankees’ Bats Fall Asleep in Game 1 Loss to Rays

The New York Yankees were hot in their sweep over the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Series, but it seems they left their bats in New York.

The Yankees managed just one hit against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the ALDS. Rays ace Drew Rasmussen had a no-hitter through 7.2 innings before Austin Wells hit a double to left. That could have been the momentum change that New York needed, but Wells was thrown out trying to extend the double into a triple.

Rasmussen was dominant all game long, as he went eight innings, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out 10. 

Bryan Baker came in and shut down the Yankees for the save, striking out Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice, while getting Cody Bellinger to ground out.

There wasn't much scoring in the contest, as New York starter Gerrit Cole allowed the only run of the game on a solo home run by Jonathan Aranda. Cole's start was strong overall, going five innings, allowing five hits and one earned run while striking out five.

The bullpen continued to lock things down for the Yankees, as Ryan Weathers, Paul Blackburn, and Brent Headrick combined for three innings of shutout relief.

While the Yankees' pitching staff performed well, the offense struggled. It was a stark contrast to their series against the Red Sox, where they scored nine runs in each game.

In that series, Rice played at an elite level, slashing .556/.600/.1.333 with two home runs, a double, six RBIs, and three runs. In Game 1 against Tampa Bay, he went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts.

Bellinger also struggled, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts after hitting .333/.333/.667, with a home run, 4 RBIs, and a run in the Wild Card Series.

New York won't get reinforcements to their lineup after Aaron Judge was left off the ALDS roster with a calf injury. In 66 games in 2026, the three-time MVP hit .241/.360/.511 with 18 home runs, 10 doubles, 41 RBIs, and 45 runs.

If the Yankees are going to advance to the ALCS, they will need their offense to step up without Judge in the lineup. Rice and Bellinger will need to lead the way for New York, and they will hope the pitching staff can replicate their strong Game 1 performance as AL Cy Young contender Cam Schlittler takes the mound in Game 2 on Monday.