Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed

Yankees.com: The Bullpen Tried, But They Were Slightly Unable to Blow the Game

Disclaimer: If you think this is the official website of the New York Yankees, you're an idiot. Go away.

The first two outs of the ninth inning were recorded on only six pitches, and it seemed as though Aroldis Chapman might breeze through his save opportunity to preserve a much-needed win. Yet nothing has come that easily for the Yankees this season.

Chapman walked rookie Wander Franco in a seven-pitch battle, setting up a stressful showdown with recently acquired slugger Nelson Cruz. The All-Star closer prevailed, bending a slider past Cruz to nail down a 4-3 Yankees victory over the Rays on Tuesday at Tropicana Field.