The New York Yankees fell 6-4 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night in St. Petersburg, becoming the first American League team to strike out 17 times in consecutive nine-inning games. Rays starter Ian Seymour dominated with 12 strikeouts over 5⅓ innings, the most by any pitcher through five frames against New York in 50 years. The Yankees managed 11 hits — their first double-digit hit total since June 17 — but the offense evaporated in key moments, extending their skid to 10 losses in 12 games.

Paul Goldschmidt went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, deepening an 0-for-30 slide, while Jose Caballero also whiffed four times. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the club's approach won't change but admitted several core players need to rediscover their form. The defeat dropped New York four games behind the first-place Rays in the AL East.

New York's 824 strikeouts this season rank third-highest in the league, a reflection of an all-or-nothing offensive identity that has backfired during this stretch. The schedule offers no relief: Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan, owner of 77 strikeouts, opposes Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in Wednesday's series rubber match.