The New York Yankees picked up a 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday in spring training action. Trent Grisham paced the offense, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Cam Schlittler worked 2.1 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 2 hits. The Yankees finished with 6 hits on the day while holding the Rays to 3. It was an encouraging performance for the Yankees as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Trent Grisham was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI. He put together quality at-bats throughout the game. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Yankees offense.
Kenedy Corona added to the attack, going 1-for-1, Ben Rice provided support, going 1-for-2 with a double, and Cody Bellinger also contributed, going 1-for-3. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Ben Williamson led the Rays offense with a 2-for-3 day. Ryan Vilade also contributed, going 1-for-3. Despite those contributions, the Yankees pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Cam Schlittler earned the win after having a rough go of it, working 2.1 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 2 hits with four strikeouts. He threw 39 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen was excellent, combining for 5.5 scoreless innings while striking out 14. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Danny Watson recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Tim Hill stood out with 1.2 innings of scoreless work, striking out four. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Yankees struck first, plating two runs in the second inning. The Yankees tacked on a run in the eighth. The Yankees out-hit Rays 6-3 on the day, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 9,701 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Yankees, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Yankees are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.
