Four Yankees errors and a missed fifth-inning chance put Rays on ALCS doorstep

The Yankees tied the game with a home run, loaded the bases with a chance to lead, and then watched the Rays turn balls in play into four runs. Tampa Bay’s 5-2 victory Monday was decided by that fifth-inning exchange and New York’s inability to complete routine defensive plays.

The Rays lead the American League Division Series 2-0. New York committed four errors, including three in the first inning, and must win three straight games to advance. Ben Rice supplied both Yankees runs with solo homers, but neither came with anyone on base.

The opening inning established the problem. Yandy Díaz reached on Ryan McMahon’s fielding error, then Jonathan Aranda singled. Junior Caminero grounded into a forceout at second, but Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s attempt to finish the double play became a throwing error that scored Díaz. Austin Wells was then charged with catcher interference on Liam Hicks’ plate appearance.

Cam Schlittler limited that inning to one run. Rice’s fourth-inning homer brought the Yankees level, and the top of the fifth offered a chance to take control. Wells doubled with two outs, McMahon walked, and Rice drew another walk after Cam Booser replaced Freddy Peralta. Cody Bellinger’s flyout to center left all three runners stranded.

Tampa Bay converted its corresponding opportunity. Aranda singled and Caminero doubled to start the bottom half. Hicks’ groundout scored Aranda. Chandler Simpson’s run-scoring grounder was officially scored a fielder’s choice.

The fourth error came later. With Brent Headrick pitching after Schlittler’s departure, Jonny DeLuca reached on George Lombard Jr.’s wide throw to first. Simpson had stolen second and advanced to third. Richie Palacios then singled both runners home for a 5-1 lead.

Tampa Bay’s official clip captures the hit that gave its bullpen a four-run cushion.

Rice homered again in the eighth, but the Yankees’ scoring stopped there. Their four hits consisted of his two homers, Bellinger’s fourth-inning single and Wells’ fifth-inning double. The Rays had eight hits, with Aranda and Caminero recording two each, and played an error-free game.

Tampa Bay also got the relief work needed to make those differences hold. Booser escaped the bases-loaded fifth. Ian Seymour allowed one hit and one run over three innings, striking out four. Bryan Baker retired New York in order in the ninth. The Rays needed no additional offense after Palacios’ single.

Game 3 is Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern at Yankee Stadium. Monday’s result leaves the Yankees needing more than isolated power: they stranded their best scoring opportunity and gave Tampa Bay additional chances through their defense. The Rays took advantage of both.

October 6 update: Rice’s isolated power also made postseason history

Rice’s two solo homers were part of a franchise first. Sarah Langs’ MLB report published early Tuesday identifies him as the first Yankee with two multi-homer games in one postseason, and the first MLB player to do it within his team’s opening four playoff games.

Rice’s four homers through those four games also tie Lou Gehrig’s 1928 total, behind Giancarlo Stanton’s five in 2020. Josh Davis independently reported that comparison for ClutchPoints. Those records underline Rice’s individual production, while Monday’s final box shows why it was insufficient: both homers came with the bases empty, and New York finished with only four hits.