A missed opportunity

That was the feeling after tonight's loss, one in which the Yankees were put in a 7-0 hole by Javier Vazquez. The lost opportunity was to retake the division lead from Tampa, who lost to Baltimore.

"That's a missed opportunity, it is," said Joe Girardi, who to the surprise of many put most of his front-line players in the lineup tonight.

The Yankees (94-65) finish the regular season with a three-game series against the Red Sox starting tomorrow night in Boston; the Rays play four in Kansas City starting Thursday night.

“We’re in a position where we need help,” said Derek Jeter, who went 2-for-4. “You can get all the help in the world, if you don’t win your games it doesn’t make any difference.”

Vazquez came into the night already a long shot to make the postseason roster and seemed to know his fate after allowing seven runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

"I wish I knew [what's going to happen," Vazquez said. "Obviously today I didn't help [myself]. I thought today was an important day for me personally but it didn't go well." 

And with that, Thursday is expected to be a quiet day before the final regular season series of the season begins Friday night. Andy Pettitte (11-3, 3.17) goes against Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-6, 4.72).