The Tampa Bay Rays used a pair of solo home runs to bookend a fantastic pitching performance from Blake Snell and the bullpen, helping to even the series with the New York Yankees with a 2-1 win Tuesday at Citi Field.
New York took a first-inning lead off Snell, who walked Aaron Judge with one out. The right fielder advanced to second on a groundout by Gary Sanchez and scored on a double by Matt Holliday.
The Yankees' lead didn't last long, as Sonny Gray's first pitch was sent into the seats in right by Kevin Kiermaier. For Kiermaier, it was his 12th home run of the year, establishing a new season-high.
Both pitchers then settled in, with Snell leaving a batter into the sixth having allowed just two hits and two walks. Steve Cishek finished the sixth and got the first two outs of the seventh, with Dan Jennings getting pinch-hitter Didi Gregorius to ground out to end the frame.
After Tommy Hunter (3-5) worked a scoreless eighth, Hechaverria jumped on a mistake by Gray (9-10) and sent it into the seats in left to break the tie.
Alex Colome worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his Major League-leading 44th save.
The win gets the Rays back to two games under .500 at 72-74.
Tampa Bay can win the series with a victory in Wednesday afternoon's finale. Chris Archer (9-9. 4.00 ERA) gets the start against Jaime Garcia (1-2, 4.88 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10, with coverage on WDAE starting at noon with The Inside Pitch presented by Sykes Lakeland.