CINCINNATI, OH (SNN-TV) – Yandy Diaz’s leadoff home run ignited a six-run first inning and Drew Rasmussen tossed five shutout innings to lead the visiting Rays to their second straight shutout win, 8-0, over the Reds this afternoon.
Randy Arozarena had three hits and Rasmussen limited the Reds to three hits while striking out seven to earn the win.
After winning the series opener, 8-1, the Reds were outscored 18-0 in the final two games. The Rays rebounded to claim just their third-ever series win over the Reds and second in Cincinnati. Tampa Bay pitching has tossed shutouts in six of its major league-leading 16 wins.
The Rays made Levi Stoudt’s major league debut a nightmare, scoring six runs on seven hits in the opening inning off the Cincinnati right-hander.
Tampa now returns home to Tropicana Field to start a series with the Chicago White Sox beginning Friday night.