Rays' Gomez records first save of season

Reliever limits Pirates to one run in extra-inning victory

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:34am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion, with sharp geometric planes in the colors of the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates uniforms, conveying the intensity of a late-inning relief appearance.A cubist interpretation of a crucial late-inning relief appearance, capturing the tension and energy of extra-inning baseball.Today in Pittsburgh

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Yoendrys Gomez recorded his first save of the 2026 season, pitching a scoreless 13th inning to secure a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in an extra-inning game on Saturday.

Why it matters

Gomez has struggled with consistency so far this season, posting a 6.75 ERA and 1.73 WHIP through his first seven appearances. This save opportunity could be a confidence boost for the young reliever as he looks to solidify his role in the Rays' bullpen.

The details

Entering the game in the 13th inning with the score tied, Gomez allowed just one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter to seal the victory for the Rays. The run he allowed was the automatic runner placed at second base to start the extra frame.

  • Gomez recorded the save on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Yoendrys Gomez

A relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who recorded his first save of the 2026 season.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Major League Baseball team that Yoendrys Gomez plays for.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The opposing team that the Tampa Bay Rays defeated in an extra-inning game on Saturday.

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What they’re saying

“Gomez entered the game in the 13th inning and limited the Pirates to just one run, the automatic runner placed at second base in extras, to seal the win for the Tampa Bay Rays.”

— Nicholas Rodriguez, Rays Correspondent

The takeaway

Gomez's first save of the season could be a turning point for the young reliever, who has struggled with consistency so far in 2026. If he can build on this outing, he may earn more save opportunities and solidify his role in the Rays' bullpen.