NEW YORK -- The Rays came to New York hoping to cut down on the Yankees’ American League East lead, which stood at six games before the four-game series began on Monday at Yankee Stadium.

But after they dropped both games of Thursday's doubleheader -- and three of four overall -- following a 5-1 loss in the nightcap, the Rays have lost 15 of their last 16 series in the Bronx and leave New York trailing by eight games in the division, with just two head-to-head matchups left against the Yankees this season.

With the Rays looking for a series split, they turned to right-hander Charlie Morton, who has been their best pitcher this season, but the Yankees were able to get to him with a four-run sixth inning. Morton allowed five runs over 5 2/3 innings and allowed three of his four free passes in the sixth.

“It’s been frustrating for us against these guys here,” said catcher Mike Zunino. “We felt really good with Charlie on the mound in Game 2 and we felt like we played good. Maybe some lapses here and there, but we have to regroup, and we have Chicago when we get home. And obviously Boston is always a tough matchup, so we have to refocus and come out ready to go [on Friday].

Nate Lowe provided the only offense for Tampa Bay in the second game with an RBI double in the third inning that scored Tommy Pham from first base. The Rays had a key opportunity with the bases loaded and nobody out in the first inning but were unable to get any runs across against Yankees opener Chad Green.

“That’s the story,” said manager Kevin Cash about the missed chance in the first inning. “We have gotten to the point this season where we’ve talked about making the most of opportunities, and we’re just not getting it done, and it’s putting all kinds of pressure on our pitching staff. … It’s challenging.”

Playing the Yankees has been an issue this season for the Rays, and this four-game set was certainly no different. Tampa Bay won the opening game thanks to a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning by Travis d'Arnaud, but then lost three consecutive games. The Rays had a lead at some point in all three losses.

Tampa Bay has now lost 12 of the 17 matchups against New York this season, with the majority being close and decided late.

Let’s take a look at how the Rays have matched up on both sides of the ball against the Yankees in 2019.

Offense

Tampa Bay has held a lead in 14 of those 17, but has often struggled to tack on insurance runs when the opportunity presents itself. The Rays went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position in both games on Thursday and finished the four-game series hitting .042 with RISP.

With just three runs combined in the doubleheader, Tampa Bay has scored just 50 runs against New York this season, averaging 2.9 runs per game.

“We just weren’t able to tack on when we needed to, and it just seems to be the opposite for them,” Zunino said. “They’ve been able to push across that insurance run when they needed it, and we just haven’t been able to do that.”

Pitching

Rays pitching has been excellent this season, but the staff has struggled all season against a potent Yankees lineup, allowing 32 home runs in 17 games. Other opponents have hit just 70 home runs in 82 games.

The staff has also struggled to hold onto leads, especially late. New York has scored six runs or more in the eighth inning or later three times over the last eight games. In the 17 games between the two clubs, Tampa Bay's staff has a 5.19 ERA, the highest against any team.

“They’re a good team, so it shows up,” Cash said. “That’s what good teams do, and they’re going to make the most of every little opportunity they’re presented, and they’ve certainly done that to date against us.”