The Yankees came into this game, on May 5 2023, nine full games back of Tampa in the AL East. They could go 9-4 against the Rays this season and that would still leave them four games back. Saying each game versus Tampa is must-win is not a stretch if the Yankees entertain hopes of claiming the AL East crown.
After falling behind early, Harrison Bader provided the big blast to bring the Yankees back. But a disastrous sequence in left field allowed the winning run to score, dropping the Yankees to 10 games back of Tampa.