The Rays hoped to even the series after a tough one-run loss against the Dodgers last night. And they had their best on the mound to make it happen, as Drew Rasmussen took the ball for tonight’s game. Coming into tonight’s contest, he had pitched a combined 14 scoreless innings in his last two starts.
But it would be no easy task, for at least two reasons — a formidable Dodger lineup featuring a red hot Shohei Ohtani, as well as a counterpart in Justin Wrobleski, who’s been every bit as effective
this season. Both pitchers came out as advertised, trading high-90’s fastballs for a scoreless first inning.
It would stay scoreless until the bottom of the sixth inning, when Ohtani drove a Rasmussen cutter over the centerfield wall.
It’s important to note that Rasmussen coaxed a few swings and misses from Ohtani on cutters, including a strikeout in the first. It seemed like he was ready for this one, however.
Rasmussen’s face says it all.
He’s not even mad, he’s impressed.
Rasmussen would finish the sixth with no further damage, and then come out to pitch another scoreless frame in the seventh. It was one of his best performances of the season, especially considering the strength of this Dodger lineup. All in, Rasmussen scattered five hits and struck out seven using a season high 102 pitches. Additionally, it was his third consecutive start with seven innings.
On the other side, Wrobleski threw six scoreless, striking out five. Both bullpens looked strong as well, as Will Klein and Kyle Hurt held it down for the Dodgers, and Cam Booser looked strong in the bottom of the eighth for the Tampa Bay.
The Rays sent the top of the order to face closer Tanner Scott in the top of the ninth, but he too, made quick work of the lifeless Rays offense. It was a one-hour-fifty-two-minute affair — no need for the L.A. fans to leave early and beat the traffic.
The Rays will hope to salvage the series tomorrow and leave Los Angeles with at least one win behind the arm of Shane McClanahan. It won’t be a walk in the park though, as Ohtani will be his opposite.
