The Yankees arrived at Tropicana Field revisiting recent history, witnessing the on-field celebration as the Rays unveiled the American League pennant from last autumn. They departed with hopes of making a statement, raising optimism that this year may feature a different conclusion.\n\n
“It was a rough series all around. We hadn’t been able to get anything going offensively, missing that big hit,” said outfielder
• Beard or not, Odor eager to join Yankees
Atoning after flushing prime opportunities in the eighth and ninth innings, the Yankees delivered four runs in the 10th, sparked by Odor’s looping single to center field on a 3-2 pitch.
“I don’t try to do too much; just hit the ball as hard as I can,” Urshela said. “There’s no pressure at all. We’re trying to play ball and have some fun. That’s it.”
• Yankees trade Estrada to Giants for cash
Torres’ knock was the brand of hit that seemed in short supply. DJ LeMahieu grounded into a bases-loaded double play that ended the seventh and the Yankees left two men on in the eighth.\n\nUrshela’s leadoff double and a
New York relievers pitched five scoreless frames in relief of starter
Montgomery said that the game was a grind, one in which he permitted two-run homers to Mike Zunino and Randy Arozarena. Montgomery said he couldn’t find a good tempo and struggled to generate his usual brand of soft contact before turning the pitching over to
Rays opener Brent Honeywell pitched two clean innings in his Major League debut, but Urshela put the Yankees on the board in the third inning, mashing a 453-foot drive to straightaway center field off Michael Wacha for a two-run homer. A third run scored against Wacha when