ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Alex Rodriguez had a tying, two-out RBI double in the ninth and Slade Heathcott followed with a three-run homer, leading the New York Yankees to a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.

The victory moved the Yankees within three-games of AL East-leading Toronto.

Erasmo Ramirez held the Yankees hitless until Carlos Beltran led off the eighth with a hot shot that took a short-hop off first baseman Richie Shaffer and went into right field.

In the bottom half Tampa Bay snapped a scoreless tie, ending its 21-inning run drought on Logan Forsythe’s RBI double.

The Yankees, though, rallied in the ninth. Down to their last out, Brett Gardner was walked by Brad Boxberger (4-10) on four pitches and stole second. Then Rodriguez tied Craig Biggio for 21st place all-time with his 3,060th hit.

Heathcott homered after Brian McCann was intentionally walked, setting off a raucous celebration in the New York dugout.

Caleb Cotham (1-0) got the final out in the eighth for his first big league win before Andrew Miller pitched the ninth to pick up his 33rd save.

Ramirez allowed just the one hit, walked two and had six strikeouts in 7 2-3 innings.

CC Sabathia had a strong start for the Yankees, giving up three hits over 6 2-3 scoreless innings. He worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the second.

The Yankees had two baserunners through the seventh. Rodriguez walked with two outs in the fourth and Brett Gardner drew another walk to start the seventh.

Gardner was doubled off second after Mikie Mahtook made a leaping catch into the right-field wall on Brian McCann’s drive.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Yankees: Manager Joe Girardi said CF Jacoby Ellsbury, in a 1 for 29 slide, is physically fine. “He feels pretty good,” Girardi said.

Rays: Reliever Jake McGee (left knee) threw his third bullpen and will need at least one more before getting in a simulated game. “We’ll see how the knee bounces back tomorrow,” he said.

UP NEXT

Yankees: Girardi said RHP Adam Warren (6-6, 3.29) will be able to throw around 65 pitches in a spot start Tuesday night.

Rays: RHP Jake Odorizzi (7-8, 3.21 ERA), Tuesday night’s starter, has the second lowest run support in the AL.