ST. PETERSBURG -- When the Rays signed
The win gave the Rays a 1 1/2-game lead over the Indians, who lost to the White Sox, for the second [American League Wild Card](https://www.mlb.com/standings/wild-card) spot. Tampa Bay remained a half-game behind the A’s, who defeated the Angels, for the top AL Wild Card spot. With just three regular-season games left for the Rays, their magic number is down to three, which means Tampa Bay controls its own destiny this weekend in Toronto.\n\n“I like our chances against any team,” said Rays infielder
\n\n \n\nMorton allowed just one hit through six innings and was able to keep the Yankees’ hitters off-balance all night, recording nine strikeouts. The right-hander recorded 16 swings and misses, 11 of them coming on his signature curveball.
“I think we did a pretty good job of mixing and I think I located decently and was aggressive,” Morton said. “I think we had a pretty good game plan and executed well.”\n\nBehind Morton, the Rays’ offense was able to do enough against Yankees opener Jonathan Loaisiga. Wendle immediately gave the Rays the lead with a leadoff home run, and
\n\n \n\nWith the Rays holding on to a three-run lead in the eighth,
\n\nJust how impressive was the performance by the Rays’ pitching staff?\n\nThe Rays joined the Rangers as just the second team to complete a shutout against the Yankees this season. Tampa Bay also became the first team to hold New York to one hit since Boston on Aug. 3, 2018. Perhaps more impressive is that the Rays held the Yankees to just one run in 21 innings over the two-game set.\n\n“They have such a good staff,” LeMahieu said. “I don’t know if it’s the building or the pitchers. Maybe it’s a little bit of both. Overall, it was a weird couple of days for us offensively.”\n\nOn Wednesday, that all started with Morton, who won his 16th game of the season, which set a new career high. Morton became just the third pitcher this season to go at least six scoreless innings against the Yankees, joining Texas’ Mike Minor and Minnesota’s Jake Odorizzi.\n\nIt was likely the last outing of the regular season for Morton, barring something unlikely. The next time that the Rays would have Morton back on the mound could be for the AL Wild Card game on Oct. 2. With the way he pitched on Wednesday -- and all season -- it’ll be hard to imagine anybody other than the veteran on the mound.\n\n“Whatever game I pitch in next is going to be a big game, it doesn’t matter,” Morton said. “It’s a game that needs to be approached with the same amount of importance as any game that I’ve ever pitched.”\n\n**Choi exits game**\n\nFirst baseman