New York Yankees: 5 Takeaways from Tampa Bay Rays series

Sep 4, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino (40) pitches during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees were able to continue their winning ways in a hard fought series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

All three games in the series were very close, as the Rays have proven this season that they are not a cake walk. With the division on the line every game, it feels like, the Yankees are playing playoff baseball every time they step on the field.

Final Scores:

Game 1: Yankees 5, Rays 2

Game 2: Yankees 2, Rays 3

Game 3: Yankees 6, Rays 4

Here are five takeaways from the Yankees’ series win against the Rays.

– Luis Severino is the real deal

In the opening game of the series against Rays, Severino continued to pitch well in setting the tone for the Yankees in the series opener.

The Rays have struggled all season to hit right-handed pitchers, and Severino was able to continue that trend with a very well-pitched game. In his third victory of the season, Severino pitched 6.1 innings allowing seven hits, one run, and he struck out five batters.

Evan Longoria was the only man to touch home plate against Severino, as he hit a solo home run in the sixth inning for Severino’s only mistake of the game.

The decision to not trade Severino is looking like the right thing to do for Brian Cashman, as Severino is pitching like an ace that the Yankees were trying to acquire. Severino has a 2.04 ERA with a 3-2 record since being called up. If the Yankees make the postseason, Severino should be a starter with the way he has been pitching.

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