Rookie Almonte Stars in Yankees’ Win Over Rays

Zoilo Almonte provided much-needed pop in his first major league start, homering and adding two singles Friday night that led the New York Yankees over the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2.

Almonte started in place of slumping left fielder Vernon Wells and quickly delivered, a day after getting a pinch single for his first hit. The 24-year-old rookie was promoted from Triple-A this week, joining an injury-ravaged team that's had trouble scoring.

Almonte also showed off a strong arm in helping the Yankees win for the third time in 10 games.

David Phelps (5-4) beat Roberto Hernandez (4-8) and the Rays for the second time in a month. Tampa Bay was trying for its first three-game winning streak in June.

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