The Yankees topped the Rays 6-2 on Tuesday night, ending their six-game losing streak.
New York was carried by two Alex Rodriguez home runs.
"We needed a win," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It is a big win for us. I don't want to say must-win, but as close as you can get to a must-win in the month of May."
Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner was in attendance as the team ended its longest skid since dropping seven in a row from April 20-27, 2007.
"I think if we would have lost, we probably would have taken the bus all the way to Baltimore [for Wednesday night's game]," left fielder Brett Gardner joked. "A big win for us. Biggest win of the year."
Yankees Get 'Biggest Win Of The Year'