Drew Rasmussen came within a strike of history on Saturday night, delivering an eight‑inning masterpiece that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a victory over the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series opener.
Rasmussen allowed just one hit—a line‑drive double by catcher Austin Wells—and two walks while striking out ten batters over eight dominant innings. The Rays’ lone offensive blow came from first baseman Jonathan Aranda, who launched a solo home run in the fourth inning to provide the decisive run.
The Yankees managed a single hit, and Wells was subsequently thrown out trying to stretch the double into a triple, preserving Rasmussen’s near‑no‑hit effort. New York’s designated hitter Ben Rice and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. both drew walks, and Chisholm’s steal of second base in the second inning was nullified when center fielder Trent Grisham recorded a strikeout to end the frame.
Historically, only three no‑hitters have been recorded in MLB postseason play, most recently the Astros’ quartet in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, joining Roy Halladay’s 2010 NLDS shutout and Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series.
The Yankees swept the Red Sox in a best‑of‑three series earlier this week, while the Rays had a bye into the ALDS. Game 2 is slated for Monday night in Tampa Bay, with right‑hander Cam Schiltter slated to start for New York; the Rays have yet to announce their starter.
