Yanks' Take Opener Against Rays

Nova reacts after striking out Jose Molina to escape a jam in the 7th inning.  (Getty Images)

The Yankees came out on Tuesday Night ready to play as they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 to pull within 2.5 games back behind the Rays and Orioles in the AL East.

Ivan Nova started for the Yankees in what was in best outing of the season. Nova allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings of work. He walked 2 and tied his season high of 8 strikeouts on the night.

"Everything was working for me today, just everything," Nova told the reporters after the game.

The Yankees offense was sparked two home runs from Raul Ibanez and one by Curtis Granderson.

Rafael Soriano pitched the 8th inning and allowed 1 run on 1 hit. He struck out 3 and walked 1.

David Robertson picked up his first save of the year. He worked out of a bases loaded jam in the 9th inning to secure the win. He struck out 2 and walked 2. He also allowed one hit.

The Yankees and Rays will play Game 2 tomorrow.

Andy Pettitte to Return to the Bronx Sunday

Andy Pettitte throws a pitch in the minor leagues for the Trenton Thunder. (The Associated Press Photo)

Andy Pettitte is scheduled to make his return on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners at the Stadium.

"We feel that he's physically ready," Girardi said. "He feels he's physically read."

Andy Pettitte was 0-2, with a 3.71 ERA in four starts in the minor leagues.

Joe Girardi nor Brian Cashman has stated which member of the rotation will lose their spot.

"I'm excited," Joe Giardi told reports. "I think it will be a great day at the stadium."

Game 29: Rays at Yankees

                                 May 8th, 2012, 7:05 ET, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York 

The Yankees and Rays start a 3 game set tonight in the Bronx. The Rays currently lead the AL East.

Here are the lineups.

Rays (19-10)
Ben Zobrist, RF
Carlos Pena, 1B
B.J. Upton, CF
Matt Joyce, LF
Luke Scott, DH
Jeff Keppinger, 3B
Will Rhymes, 2B
Sean Rodriguez, SS
Jose Molina, C

Pitching: James Shields RHP (5-0, 3.05 ERA this season)

Yankees (15-13)
Derek Jeter, SS
Curtis Granderson, CF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Nick Swisher, RF
Raul Ibanez, DH
Russell Martin, C
Eduardo Nunez, LF

Pitching: Ivan Nova RHP (3-1, 5.58 ERA this season)

Enjoy the game.

Yanks' Split Series Against the Royals

Phil Hughes throws a pitch in Sunday's game. (The Associated Press Photo)

The Yankees split their 4 game set with the Kansas City Royals on Sunday when they won by a final score of 10-4. Their offensive exploded early on to knock the Royals starter, Luke Hochevar, out of the game.

Robinson Cano led the surge with a grand slam in the 3rd inning. Nick Swisher would follow with a solo shot two batters later.

Alex Rodriguez also went deep with a 3-run shot in the 8th inning.

Derek Jeter continued to swing his hot bat. He went 2-3 with 2 walks.

Phil Hughes looked impressive early on. He continued to clock his fastball at 94-95 throughout the game. He allowed 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 7 and walked 1.

The Yankees have an off day tomorrow and they will kick off a 3 game series against the Rays on Tuesday.

Andy Pettitte Throws 95 Pitches in Minor League Start

(Getty Images)

Andy Pettitte has completed what could be his final minor league start on Sunday. He threw 95 pitches for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

Pettitte allowed 5 runs, 3 earned on 8 hits in 5 innings of work on Sunday. He struck out 6 and walked 2.

Andy Pettitte could be making his way back to the Bronx sometime this week.

Stats credit goes to @swbyankeesTT on Twitter.