Yankees turn to Nestor Cortes in rematch vs. Rays

(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

The New York Yankees showed off their fine pitching and flexed just enough muscle to secure a series-opening victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

The Yankees will try to win the series on Saturday afternoon when they meet the Rays in the middle contest of their three-game set in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt went 6 2/3 innings and