Yankees keep slim AL East hopes alive with shutout of Rays to open doubleheader

A week or two ago, Tuesday’s doubleheader loomed as perhaps the largest day (and night) of the Yankees’ season.But the Rays separating themselves — entering with a six-game lead that had doubled since Sept.11 — and requiring just one victory in this series to clinch the division removed much of the drama from the opening game of the series at a half-filled Stadium.

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.And so a strong afternoon effort encouraged and kept the Yankees’ AL East hopes alive, but more kept the hopes breathing rather than reviving them.In the first of two games on the day, the Yankees beat the Rays, 2-0 in front of an announced crowd of 41,421 in The Bronx on a brisk, windy late September day that reminded that October is coming.In all likelihood, also coming soon is the Rays wrapping up the division, but the Yankees at least did not allow their rival to celebrate on their grass immediately.

Of course, the Rays (95-61) have three more chances to do so, including another in just a few hours.The Yankees (90-66) are nearly guaranteed a first-round, wild-card date with the Red Sox in a best-of-three that likely won’t include the Yankees’ best: The club is operating under the belief Aaron Judge will not be available for the series because of his calf strain.If the Yankees are going to escape the Red Sox and visit these same Rays in the ALDS, they would have to rely upon their stars rather than their superstar.On that front, Tuesday afternoon provided some hope with Carlos Rodón (eight shutout, overpowering innings in which he faced just one over the minimum) and Cody Bellinger (a two-run blast in the fourth inning that provided the only runs the club needed) stepping up.The Yankees’ offense was held down by Nick Martinez for three perfect innings before pouncing on two consecutive, imperfect pitches to begin the bottom of the fourth.Ben Ric...