NEW YORK -- Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Blake Snell was pulled after getting one out in Wednesday's start against the New York Yankees, one of the worst outings ever by a reigning Cy Young Award winner.
Snell walked four, gave up two hits and was charged with six runs in the shortest start of his career. Gary Sanchez drove in three with his 21st homer, and reliever Colin Poche allowed three inherited runners to score after Snell exited.
The Rays lost 12-1.
"It's obviously unfortunate," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Obviously, not a lot went well today. It's a good thing this loss only counts as one and not as more because sometimes it feels like it should count more."
Cash said he didn't think it was a confidence issue with Snell.
"I think he's just frustrated," Cash said. "He's probably a little PO'd a little bit. No, I think Blake's confidence is fine."
Snell's previous shortest start was one-plus inning against the Yankees on Sept. 26, 2017.
"I'm happy with how I'm pitching -- I like the way it feels coming out of my hand,'' Snell said. "I just need to be more in the zone, more aggressive, more of an attack mindset.''
Snell is the first reigning Cy Young winner to allow at least six runs and get no more than one out in a start, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
New York swept its three-game home series against the Rays and stretched its American League East lead to 3½ games over Tampa Bay.
Yankees starter CC Sabathia -- a 2007 Cy Young winner -- earned his 250th career victory.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.