Matt Joyce’s three-run homer in the sixth inning lifted the Tampa Bay Rays past the New York Yankees, 3-2, on Friday.

Wade Davis pitched seven strong innings to outduel Phil Hughes for the Rays, who pulled to within one game of first place in the American League East with their seventh straight victory.

Holding a 2-0 lead going into the sixth, Hughes (12-4) appeared to be in control - having not allowed a batter to reach third base in the contest.

But John Jaso led off the sixth with a single and moved up on a wild pitch. Evan Longoria walked and Carlos Pena grounded into a fielder’s choice before Joyce came up and drove a 2-2 pitch deep over the wall in right to put Tampa Bay on top.

The blast put Davis (9-9) in position to win his fourth straight start. The right-hander allowed just four hits while striking out six and walking three in seven innings.

Joaquin Benoit tossed a scoreless eighth and Rafael Soriano worked the ninth for his 29th save.

Nick Swisher provided the offense for the Yankees with a two-run blast in the first inning. Alex Rodriguez failed to homer, remaining at 599 for his career.