Hechavarria powers Rays to a victory over Yankees

by Gary Shelton on September 13, 2017 · 0 comments

in general, Tampa Bay Rays

Hechavarria is suddenly a two-way star./CARMEN MANDATO

Hechavarria is suddenly a two-way star./CARMEN MANDATO

Wednesday, 3 a.m.

Since he joined the Tampa Bay Rays, sonnets have been written about the defense of Aneiney Hechavarria.

And to be sure, Hechavarria is a defensive wiz. From the time the shortstop landed with the Rays, his glove has been an essential weapon for the Rays.

But enough about his glove.

What about his bat?

For the second straight game, Hechavarria starred with his offense. This time,

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Snell allowed only two hits in five innings./STEVE MUNCIE

Snell allowed only two hits in five innings./STEVE MUNCIE

it was an eighth-inning home run that led the Rays to a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees. It was a win that brought the Rays back to 3 ½ games out of the second wild-card berth and two games below .500.

The offensive spurt gives the Rays hope that Hechavarria will be able to provide even more of a spark down the stretch.

“I give Hech all the credit,” Rays' manager Kevin Cash said. “He has some comfort with Chad Mottola. It takes a little while to know the league and all the new pitchers.”

The Rays got a good pitching start from rookie Blake Snell, who gave up only two hits and one run over five innings. Four Rays' relievers held the Yankees' scoreless, including Alex Colome, who had his 44th save.

Tampa Bay managed only five hits themselves, but two of them were homers by Kevin Kiermaier and Hechavarria.

The Rays wrap up their series against the Yankees today at 1:10 p.m. at Citi Field when Chris Archer pitches against Jaime Garcia.

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