MLB11 hours ago2 minute read

Rays Claim Division Title After Dominant Pitching Performance

Drew Rasmussen carried a no hitter into the seventh inning to help the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 6-1 and clinch the AL East.

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Rays Take the Crown

The Tampa Bay Rays are division champions once again. With a 6-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Tuesday, the Rays secured their fifth AL East title in franchise history. The win also guarantees them home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs.

The victory in the second game of a doubleheader pushed the Rays to 96 wins and 61 losses. This is their first division title since 2021, when they won 100 games. Tampa Bay previously won the AL East in 2020, 2010, and 2008. The Yankees delayed the celebration briefly by winning the first game of the doubleheader 2-0 behind eight strong innings from Carlos Rodon.

Rasmussen Flirts With History

Drew Rasmussen was the star of the night on the mound. The pitcher carried a no hit bid into the seventh inning and struck out 11 batters. He was just nine outs away from throwing the second no hitter in franchise history before Heliot Ramos hit a leadoff double on Rasmussen's 97th pitch.

Rasmussen finished the night with a career high 114 pitches, throwing 72 of them for strikes. He earned his 16th win of the season against five losses. After Rasmussen exited in the seventh, Kevin Kelly, Cam Booser, and Bryan Baker combined to finish the three hit game. The Yankees were held to three hits or fewer for the 13th time this season.

Key Plays and Offensive Spark

Yandy Diaz provided the offensive spark for the Rays. He drove in four runs with a pair of two run singles. His first came against reliever John Schreiber in the seventh inning, and his second came in the ninth. The hits brought his American League leading total to 175 hits on the year.

The Rays broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning. Taylor Walls started the rally with a bunt single against Max Fried when first base was left uncovered. Fried took the loss, allowing four runs and six hits over six and two thirds innings.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (MLB, Wed, 23 Sep): New York Yankees win 56%, Tampa Bay Rays win 44%; projected score New York Yankees 4, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Yankees +1.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (MLB, Thu, 24 Sep): New York Yankees win 56%, Tampa Bay Rays win 44%; projected score New York Yankees 4, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Yankees +1.5.