The Tampa Bay Rays have made history by winning their first four games of the season, marking the first time in franchise history they have accomplished this feat. The American League East team’s success is largely attributed to their dominant pitching performance as they have allowed only four runs in the four games played. With a solid start to the 2021 season, the Rays look to continue this momentum and make a run for the playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Rays made history on Monday night with their first-ever 4-0 start. Luke Raley hit two home runs and Drew Rasmussen pitched six shutout innings to lead the Rays to a 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. Isaac Paredes also hit a home run and single for the Rays, who have now outscored opponents 27-5 in their first four games. Manager Kevin Cash expressed pride in his team’s start, saying that any first in the organization is a cause for celebration.
Rasmussen shone on the mound, giving up only two singles and striking out seven batters, throwing 50 of his 66 pitches for strikes. Raley also had a standout performance, with his first-ever multi-home run game. The outfielder hit both home runs in front of his parents, who had travelled to Detroit to watch the Rays’ series before detouring to Washington en route to their home in Cleveland.
While the Rays were in dominant form, the Nationals left much to be desired, chasing pitches and going 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position. Trevor Williams, who was signed as a free agent last season, gave up four runs and six hits over five innings in his Nationals debut. Jeimer Candelario and Dominic Smith were the only players to put points on the board for the Washington team, with Candelario hitting a home run and Smith getting two hits.
Monday night’s game saw Rasmussen make an impressive defensive play, reaching behind himself to blindly spear CJ Abrams’ grounder in the fifth and throwing him out. The Nationals were dealt a blow earlier in the day when an MRI of Corey Dickerson’s left calf showed a mild strain. The team is hoping he will be able to return within a 10-day timeframe. The Rays’ Josh Fleming will start the next game against the Nationals, while Chad Kuhl will make his Nationals debut.
In conclusion, the Tampa Bay Rays have made history with their impressive start of 4-0 for the first time in franchise history. The team’s pitching dominance has been a key factor in their early success, and fans can’t help but be excited about what this season holds for the Rays. With such a strong start, it’s clear that this team is ready to compete and make a run for the playoffs. Keep an eye on the Rays as they continue to make waves in the MLB.
