The Yankees defeated the Rays 5-3 on Saturday night, improving their playoff chances behind a strong effort from Ivan Nova.

In his first start since Aug. 21, Nova threw 85 pitches over six-plus strong innings that set the tone at Yankee Stadium.

Nova improved to 5-1 with a 3.04 ERA in eight career starts against the Rays.

"Against us, he's got this uncanny ability to throw his breaking ball for a strike when he wants to, and that's a big part of his success against us," manager Joe Maddon said. "He likes our uniform, I know that. He's very comfortable when he sees our uniform."