Kevin Kiermaier hits go-ahead 3-run homer vs. Yankees (Video)

The Tampa Bay Rays took a fourth-inning lead over the New York Yankees behind the bat of Kevin Kiermaier.

Earlier this week, the New York Yankees made an early statement against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the ALDS. Then, the Rays flipped the script on Tuesday evening behind the botched “opener” strategy by Yankees skipper Aaron Boone. With the series tied at one game apiece, the early goings of Game 3 have been all Rays.

In the top of the fourth inning, Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka allowed a single by Joey Wendle and walked Willy Adames with the game tied at 1-1. Tampa Bay outfielder Kevin Kiermaier only need one pitch from Tanaka, as he sent a 77-mph curveball into the right field seats to give the Rays a 4-1 lead.

Kevin Kiermaier breaks out of postseason slump

While Tampa Bay easily disposed of the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card Round, Kiermaier had been struggling in the batter’s box prior to Game 3 of the ALDS. Through four games, the outfielder was 2-for-15 with one RBI, which came late in Tampa Bay’s win on Tuesday.

The Yankees appeared to be destined to make the ALCS based off their Game 1 victory, but ever since Boone pulled rookie Deivi Garcia for J.A. Happ after one inning of work, the momentum has gone straight to the Rays. Based off this home run, Tampa Bay doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon this MLB postseason.