ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Brett Gardner swung through a full-count Sergio Romo sinker — probably ball four — and the Rays’ closer-third baseman slapped his glove, pumped his fist and screamed in joy Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field. These Rays are a fun team, albeit one destined to spend October at home.
“Fun” doesn’t get it done for the Yankees, who suffered a 3-2 loss to the Rays when Gardner stranded teammates on first and second base. As a matter of fact, even “excellent” should have them a little jittery, thanks to the unusual state of this American League.