Saturday, 4 a.m.
Turns out, the Rescue Ranger of the Tampa Bay Rays wears a red beard.
Dennis Rasmussen brought relief to the slumping Tampa Bay Rays, pitching a one-hit gem (seven innings) in a 6-0 shutout over the Florida Marlins. Rasmussen allowed only a second-inning single to Javier Sanoja. He struck out nine.
Perhaps more important, Rasmussen led the Rays to a win. After going 2-8 in their previous 10 games, that was a relief.
It also allowed the Rays to lengthen their lead in the AL East to a game and a half.
The Rays relied on familiar faces for their offense. Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz each had three hits (Caminero also had two walks). Ryan Vilade also had two hits.
Richie Palacios had a two-run triple as the Rays took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Cedric Mullins had a home run.
The Rays and Marlins play again today at 4 p.m. at loanDepot Park. Shane McClanahan will start for the Rays against a yet-to-be named starter for the Marlins.