Rasmussen's Masterful Performance
Drew Rasmussen Shines with One-Hitter Over Seven Innings as Rays Shut Out Marlins 6-0
Drew Rasmussen was nearly untouchable on Friday night, allowing just one hit over seven dominant innings as the Tampa Bay Rays shut out the Miami Marlins 6-0 at loanDepot park, according to Associated Press. Rasmussen retired 17 consecutive batters after surrendering a second-inning single, finishing with nine strikeouts on just 87 pitches.
Junior Caminero reached base five times — on two doubles, one single, and two walks — to power the Rays' offense. Tampa Bay improved to 37-23, holding onto first place in the AL East, per Daily Gazette.
Rasmussen Retires 17 Straight to Shut Down Miami
Rasmussen set the tone from the start, filling the zone with precision. After Javier Sanoja's opposite-field single in the second inning — the Marlins' only hit against him — Rasmussen locked in and didn't allow another base runner through the seventh. Manager Kevin Cash called it "a complete performance," saying Rasmussen "was spectacular" when the team needed him most, according to MLB.com.
Two of Rasmussen's five wins this season have come against Miami. He now carries a career 2.30 ERA in seven outings against the Marlins, per Oskaloosa. Rasmussen improved to 5-2 overall, throwing 61 of his 87 pitches for strikes.
Rays Strike Early, Score Three in the First Inning
Tampa Bay wasted no time against Marlins starter Ryan Gusto. Richie Palacios hit a two-run triple in the first inning, and Ryan Vilade followed with an RBI single to put the Rays up 3-0, according to Leader Telegram. Gusto allowed three runs and three hits in just two innings before exiting.
The Rays kept adding. Jonathan Aranda knocked in a run in the fifth inning, Cedric Mullins blasted a solo home run to right-center in the sixth — his fifth of the season — and Vilade drove in his second run with a single in the seventh. Tampa Bay finished with 12 hits on the night, per Stardem.
Caminero's Five-Reach Game Cements His Breakout Status
Junior Caminero was the offensive star of the night. The 21-year-old third baseman went 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and a single, drawing two walks as well. This was his second five-reach game of the season, according to WTOP. Caminero scored multiple times and drove in a run, giving him a firm grip as one of Tampa Bay's most dangerous hitters.
Cedric Mullins, signed by Tampa Bay on a one-year, $7 million deal in December 2025, continues to prove his value. His home run was a key part of a lineup that got contributions up and down the order, per Winnipeg Free Press.
Chandler Simpson Exits Early With Thumb Injury
The Rays did get some bad news. Outfielder Chandler Simpson left the game in the third inning with left thumb discomfort after grounding out. Victor Mesa Jr. entered as a substitute, according to WRAL. Simpson has been Tampa Bay's top speed threat this season, stealing 14 bases in 2026.
This was Simpson's second early exit in a week, following a lip injury against Detroit. A stint on the 10-day injured list is possible. Pitchers Cam Booser and Cole Sulser closed out the two-hit shutout to secure the series-opening win, per 10TV.
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