Yankees blanked by potential playoff foe: 'We were silent'

New York's offense shut down in loss to Tampa Bay

Gerrit Cole struggles as Yankees fall to 7-9

The New York Yankees were shut out by the Tampa Bay Rays 4-0 on Wednesday night, dropping their record to 7-9 on the season. Gerrit Cole took the loss for the Yankees, allowing four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out nine batters but also walked four. The Yankees offense was held in check by Rays starter Shane McClanahan, who allowed just two hits in six innings of work. The loss was the Yankees' third in a row and dropped them to fourth place in the AL East. "We were silent," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "We didn't do anything offensively." The Yankees had a chance to get on the board in the first inning when they loaded the bases with one out. But Cole walked in a run and then struck out the next two batters to end the inning. The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a two-run homer by Randy Arozarena. They added two more runs in the fifth inning on a double by Ji-Man Choi and a single by Brandon Lowe. The Yankees had a chance to get back in the game in the sixth inning when they loaded the bases with two outs. But pinch-hitter Kyle Higashioka grounded out to end the inning. The Yankees will try to avoid a four-game sweep when they face the Rays again on Thursday night.

Here are some additional details from the game:

* Cole's nine strikeouts give him 100 for the season. * The Yankees have scored just two runs in their last three games. * The Rays have won six of their last seven games.

The Yankees will be looking to get back on track when they face the Rays again on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.