The Tampa Bay Rays came into Wednesday night’s game with a “clinching” attitude. With home-field advantage at stake, backed by timely hitting and strong pitching, the Rays were able to capture a huge win. They look to take this momentum into the playoffs as they have secured home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs.
Recap
The Rays offense struck early and often as catcher Francisco Mejia hit a sharp single to right field in the second inning for the first run of the game. In the following at-bat, second baseman Brandon Lowe went deep for his 35th home run on the season to extend Tampa Bay’s lead to three.
In the fifth, the Rays gave the Astros more trouble. First baseman Ji-Man Choi launched the first pitch he saw for a three-run home run giving the Rays a six-run lead.
Rays starter Drew Rasmussen was outstanding on the mound Wednesday. Rasmussen allowed only one hit over five innings of work against Houston’s star-studded lineup. Rasmussen started as a reliever when traded to the Rays from the Brewers back in May. However, after consecutive dominant performances, the Rays decided to use him as a starter and it has paid off in a big way. The Rays have won six and lost two games when Rasmussen takes the hill as a starter.
Next Up
Looking forward, the Rays will take on the Astros in the series finale on Thursday night at 8:10 PM. Left-handed specialist Ryan Yarbrough (9-6, 5.09 ERA) will start for Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the Astros will send out their ace Lance McCullers Jr. (12-5, 3.17 ERA). Will the Rays capture their 99th win on the season?