Rays take ALDS opener 1-0 behind Rasmussen’s one-hitter

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 1-0 in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five matchup behind Drew Rasmussen’s eight scoreless innings and Jonathan Aranda’s solo home run. Rasmussen allowed one hit, struck out 10 and walked two. He did not give up a hit until Austin Wells doubled with two outs in the eighth inning, ending the right-hander’s no-hit bid. Wells tried to stretch the double into a triple but was thrown out at third, ending New York’s threat before the potential tying run could bat from scoring position. Aranda supplied the game’s only run in the third inning, hitting a solo homer off Yankees starter Gerrit Cole. Cole allowed one run on five hits and struck out five over five innings. The Yankees’ bullpen held Tampa Bay hitless over the final three innings, but New York managed no further scoring. Bryan Baker pitched a scoreless ninth to finish the one-hitter and secure the win. He struck out pinch hitter Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice before Cody Bellinger grounded out. Rasmussen finished after throwing 101 pitches, 69 for strikes.