The Yankees left Florida with sole possession of first place in the AL East, but after dropping two of three to the Rays, they know they're in for a fight over the final two months of the season.
Tampa Bay took the rubber match with a 3-0 win, as James Shields dominated the Yankees through 7 1/3 innings, limiting them to four hits and one walk while striking out 11.
CC Sabathia took his first August loss since 2007, snapping a 13-start August undefeated streak. Sabathia allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks, losing back-to-back starts for the first time this season and only the second time as a Yankee.
A-Rod was out of the starting lineup after playing 12 consecutive days, as Joe Girardi wanted to avoid using him for three straight days on the artificial turf at Tropicana Field. A-Rod pinch-hit in the seventh inning, striking out to end the frame. He remains stuck on 599 career home runs, going 38 at-bats since his last homer. (Daily News)
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