Sunday, 4 a.m.
Is it too late to cast a Cy Young vote?
If not, Drew Rasmussen likely won a lot of votes Saturday night.
Rasmussen was a master in a 1-0 victory over the New York Yankees in the start of their American League Division series. Rasmussen threw eight innings of shutout, one hit baseball to get the Rays off to
a solid start.
“What wasn't elite?,” manager Kevin Cash said. “I mean, he was just incredible and he did that in Yankee Stadium the night that we were fortunate enough to clinch. It seemed like he went out and doubled down tonight.”
Pitching against a potent lineup, Rasmussen struck out 10 batters. The Yankees had scored 18 runs on 26 hits in their two victories over the Red Sox in the Wild Card playoffs. This time, only Austin Wells had a hit -- an eighth-inning double.
Bryan Baker retired the Yankees in order in the ninth to earn the save.
The Rays had only five hits against Gerrit Cole, but one of them was a solo homer by Jonathan Aranda in the third inning.
The teams play again on Monday night at Tropicana Field at 8 p.m. The Rays have not announced a starter. Cam Schlitter will start for the Yankees.
