NEW YORK — On the road at Yankee Stadium, a rookie pitcher with the ball.

No matter where they go or who they face these days, the dynamic Tampa Bay Rays keep rolling right along.

Jason Bartlett hit his latest leadoff homer in New York to begin an early beating of the banged-up Yankees, and the streaking Rays held on for a 10-6 victory last night in the opener of a two-game series between baseball's top two teams.

"That's just how we want to play, regardless of who we're playing," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. "It's more of a liberal arts form of playing baseball."

Evan Longoria had three hits and two RBIs, sending the AL East leaders to their fifth straight win. Tampa Bay stole six bases against starting pitcher A.J. Burnett — four in a four-run fourth inning — and improved to 29-11, the best record for a big league team after 40 games since Boston had the same mark in 2002.

"It gives us a little confidence going into tomorrow," Rays outfielder Carl Crawford said.

Trailing 10-2 going into the ninth, New York scored four times with two outs against Andy Sonnanstine. Joaquin Benoit struck out Juan Miranda with two on for the save.

Rookie Wade Davis (4-3) held the Yankees in check, allowing two runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 inning.