New York Times: Baseball

With James Paxton injured, the Yankees employed a so-called opener to start the game. The strategy paid off thanks to a seven-run explosion in the sixth inning.

In an era of baseball’s richest teams dominating smaller-market clubs, Tampa Bay has managed a third way: spending less and winning more through ceaseless innovation.

Players in the lower levels of professional baseball often settle for less-than-desirable living arrangements, but few residences are eerier than the funeral home where several Yankee prospects have lived.

The Mets are trying to shore up their inconsistent play as they face 20 games in the next 20 days.

A delay resulted in a single at-bat taking 45 minutes. But when play resumed, the Yankees got right back to business with a solo homer that helped seal the win.

The Yankees have continued to win despite a still-lengthy injured list, but the division-leading Rays present a stiff challenge.

Manager Aaron Boone said he would look into images that TV cameras captured of a dark substance smudged under the brim of the cap worn by Mariners starter Yusei Kikuchi.

The Mariners shed their best starter, their All-Star closer, and four everyday players, including designated hitter Nelson Cruz.

The oft-injured left-hander had plenty of aches and pains in Seattle, but his knee wasn’t an issue until he encountered the hard dirt at Yankee Stadium.

“When he’s executing his pitches like that,” catcher Tomas Nido said, “I can’t even imagine how hard it is to be in the batter’s box.”