Yankees' Losing Streak Hits 5 After Sweep by Rays

Drew Rasmussen's strong outing leads Tampa Bay to first 3-game sweep of New York since 2021.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down a baseball game between the Yankees and Rays into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the team's colors, capturing the competitive tension and shifting momentum of the divisional matchup.The Rays' decisive three-game sweep of the struggling Yankees is captured in a fractured, cubist-inspired illustration that reflects the competitive tension and shifting momentum of the divisional matchup.NYC Today

The Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees, holding on for a 5-4 win on Sunday. Drew Rasmussen allowed just one hit in six scoreless innings, and the Rays moved above .500 for the first time this season at 8-7. Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to get the Yankees within one, but they couldn't complete the comeback, falling to 0-6 in one-run games this season.

Why it matters

The Yankees' struggles continue, as they've now lost five straight games. This sweep by the Rays is the first time Tampa Bay has accomplished that feat against New York since 2021, highlighting the Rays' ability to compete with one of the league's top teams despite their smaller market and payroll.

The details

Rasmussen struck out seven without a walk in his return from paternity leave, while Chandler Simpson went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base for the Rays. The Yankees' Cam Schlittler allowed three runs over five innings in the loss.

  • The Rays completed their first three-game sweep of the Yankees since 2021.
  • The Yankees' losing streak is now at five games.

The players

Drew Rasmussen

The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher who allowed just one hit in six scoreless innings to earn the win.

Chandler Simpson

The Rays outfielder who went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base in the win.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees slugger who hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to get New York within one run.

Cam Schlittler

The Yankees pitcher who allowed three runs over five innings in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to start winning these close games. Our fans deserve better.”

— Aaron Judge, Yankees Outfielder

What’s next

The Yankees will host the Angels on Monday, with Yusei Kikuchi taking the mound for New York against the Angels' Noah Schultz. The Rays will travel to Chicago to face the White Sox, with Shane McClanahan starting for Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Yankees' struggles continue, as they've now lost five straight games and are winless in one-run games this season. The Rays, meanwhile, have proven they can compete with one of the league's top teams, completing their first three-game sweep of New York since 2021.