New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions May 3rd 2025

Paul Goldschmidt’s Comeback Power Surge Fuels Yankees’ Shutout Win Over Rays

In a decisive 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees were propelled by a familiar yet recently quiet star—Paul Goldschmidt. The veteran slugger, known for his powerful bat, had gone weeks without clearing the fences. But in back-to-back games, he’s rediscovered his power stroke, culminating in a pivotal three-run home run on Friday night at Yankee Stadium. The homer not only sealed the game but also punctuated a statement performance that suggests the Yankees’ offense is firing on all cylinders again. Don’t miss out on our Daily Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Goldschmidt’s Timely Return to Power

Breaking the Home Run Drought

Before his resurgence, Goldschmidt hadn’t homered since March 29—an unusually long dry spell for a player of his caliber. That changed when he connected on an 0-1 fastball, launching it into the right field stands for a three-run blast that accounted for all of New York’s scoring on the night. It was a definitive moment, not just for the game but potentially for Goldschmidt’s season moving forward.

A Veteran’s Focus on Process

Despite posting the second-highest batting average in Major League Baseball at .361, Goldschmidt remains measured in his approach. “I’d love to get a hit every time,” he said, “but there’s going to be ups and downs.” After hitting a career-low .245 last year, the key for Goldschmidt has been consistency in preparation, not obsession over results.

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The Offensive Engine: Goldschmidt and Judge

League-Leading Batting Averages

Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt now rank first and second in the league in batting average, sitting at .430 and .361 respectively. Their steady production has created a reliable offensive core that continues to drive the Yankees’ success.

A Dynamic Duo Elevating the Yankees

Judge extended his on-base streak to 28 games, contributing a double and a triple before Goldschmidt’s fifth-inning heroics. The pair are not only producing individually but are also thriving together in sequence, often setting up and finishing rallies.

Clutch Performance in High-Leverage Moments

Goldschmidt’s Dominance with Runners in Scoring Position

One of the defining elements of Goldschmidt’s resurgence is his performance under pressure. With runners in scoring position, he’s hitting a scorching .448—an elite number that underscores his ability to rise to the occasion.

Turning Chances into Runs

The Yankees made the most of their opportunities on Friday, converting their lone high-leverage moment thanks to Goldschmidt. This kind of efficiency is essential, especially in tightly contested divisional games.

Rays Struggle to Find Offense

Losing Streak Worsens After Momentum Shift

The Rays have now dropped four consecutive games after previously stringing together five wins. During this losing skid, the team has managed just three runs, including being shut out twice in the past three games.

Missed Opportunities and RISP Issues

Tampa Bay had just one at-bat with a runner in scoring position on Friday. The inability to generate and capitalize on scoring chances has been a critical issue during their slide.

Friday’s Key Stats and Performances

• Paul Goldschmidt: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
• Aaron Judge: 2-for-3, double, triple, walk
• Clarke Schmidt (NYY): 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 6 K
• Jose Caballero (TB): Only hit for Tampa Bay

The Yankees combined strong individual performances with excellent pitching and timely hitting to secure the win.