# Rodón dominates as Yankees block Rays' division clinch

> Carlos Rodón pitches eight scoreless innings to lead Yankees past Tampa Bay and delay the Rays' AL East celebration.
- Title: Rodón dominates as Yankees block Rays' division clinch · Mlb
- Summary: Carlos Rodón pitches eight scoreless innings to lead Yankees past Tampa Bay and delay the Rays' AL East celebration. Rodón's dominant performance keeps the…
- Keywords: carlos rodon, yankees, tampa bay rays, al east, mlb, shutout, doubleheader, yankee stadium, playoffs, pitching, sports, Rodón
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/carlos-rodon-blanks-rays-over-eight-strong-innings-for-yankees
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carlos rodon, yankees, tampa bay rays, al east, mlb, shutout, doubleheader, yankee stadium, playoffs, pitching, sports
## Rodón shuts down Rays in opener
Carlos Rodón pitched eight scoreless innings with just three hits allowed as the Yankees defeated Tampa Bay 2-0 in the first game of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.

> Health-wise, I feel good, and the confidence is good.
## Bellinger's two-run homer provides cushion
Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer off Rays starter Nick Martinez to account for all the Yankees' scoring in the 2-0 victory.

> It wasn't a great-executed pitch to either of those guys.
## Rodón reaches career milestones
The victory marked Rodón's 100th career win, and he recorded his 1,500th career strikeout by fanning Jonny DeLuca in the eighth inning.

> 1,500 is nice, so hopefully I can keep going.
## Elite command on full display
Rodón did not walk a single batter and allowed no runner to reach second base through six innings, showcasing the command that could make him a playoff ace.

> His command was elite today.
## Playoff rotation takes shape
Manager Aaron Boone expects Gerrit Cole to start the playoffs, with Cy Young frontrunner Cam Schlittler and Max Fried also in the mix, potentially positioning Rodón for a Game 1 start in an AL Division Series.

> Carlos is throwing the ball really well right now.
## Quick, efficient victory for Yankees
The contest lasted just two hours and two minutes, making it the Yankees' quickest game of the season, with David Bednar earning his 35th save in the ninth inning.

> Just a really solid, quick win.
## Key takeaway

Rodón's dominant performance keeps the Yankees competitive while showcasing his playoff readiness with elite command and no walks.