Rays 4-0 for 1st time, Rasmussen beats Nationals 6-2
Tampa Bay Rays Luke Raley, left, and Randy Arozarena celebrate after Raley hit a two-run homer during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Washington. Credit: AP/Alex Brandon
WASHINGTON — Luke Raley homered twice, Drew Rasmussen pitched six shutout innings and the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Washington Nationals 6-2 Monday night for the first 4-0 start in team history.
Isaac Paredes had a homer and a single for the Rays, who have outscored opponents 27-5 in four games. Raley had his first big league multihomer game.
Rasmussen (1-0) allowed two singles and didn't walk a batter while striking out seven. He threw 50 of 66 pitches for strikes.
Trevor Williams (0-1), signed as a free agent after pitching for the Mets last season, allowed four runs — three earned — and six hits over five innings in his Nationals debut.
Jeimer Candelario homered and Dominic Smith had two hits for Washington.
Washington went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position and is 2 for 23 over four games.
Williams his first two batters before Randy Arozarena beat out an infield single and Raley homered on the next pitch.
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen pauses in the dugout during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Washington. Credit: AP/Alex Brandon
Francisco Mejía hit a sacrifice fly in the second after a pair of infield singles, and Paredes led off the fourth with a home run.
Candelario reached on second baseman Brandon Lowe's fielding error starting the seventh and scred on Lane Thomas' groundout.
Raley added a solo homer off Mason Thompson in the eighth.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Tampa Bay Rays' Isaac Paredes celebrates with his teammates after his solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Washington. Credit: AP/Alex Brandon
Nationals: Manager Dave Martinez said an MRI of OF Corey Dickerson’s left calf showed only a mild strain and the team hopes his stay on the 10-day IL. UP NEXT
LHP Josh Fleming is listed as the Tuesday starter for the Rays, but manager Kevin Cash said the Rays may use an opener in front of him. RHP Chad Kuhl makes his Nationals debut.
More MLB news
