3 days rest: Rasmussen takes ball for Rays in Game 5
The Rays ace returned to the mound on three days rest, allowing one run over four innings in a 2-0 deficit.
By Luca Stewart ·
Drew Rasmussen faced the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night in Game 5 of the World Series after only three days of rest. The 31-year-old right-hander finished his start after four innings, leaving the Tampa Bay Rays down 1-0.
Rasmussen retired the first four batters of the game. The Brewers broke through in the next inning when Brice Turang hit a double to left-center off a flat cutter. Sal Frelick was then hit by a pitch to move to second base.
Rookie Cooper Pratt drove in the first run of the game with a single to center field. The ball skipped over the leaping attempt by second baseman Ben Williamson. That single was the second and final hit Rasmussen allowed in the start.
The starter recorded four strikeouts and issued no walks in a 48-pitch outing. He threw a total of 89 pitches in Game 2 on Saturday, when the Brewers rallied for a 5-4 win. That performance gave Milwaukee a 2-0 Series lead before Wednesday night's contest.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said he called Rasmussen immediately after the previous game to confirm he was willing to pitch again. Cash noted that Rasmussen held out of throwing in a bullpen session the day before, preparing himself mentally and physically for the start.
"He was 100% on board wanting the ball," Cash said. "I think Ras, knowing him, he's pretty motivated to get back out there and give us what he can. He wasn't satisfied with how maybe Game 2 went."
Rasmussen has undergone three major elbow operations in his career, including two Tommy John surgeries and one internal brace procedure. He finished the regular season with a 16-5 record and a 2.67 ERA. In the postseason, he has served as an opener and made short starts on short rest in previous years.
The Rays also placed third baseman Junior Caminero in the lineup, batting third. Caminero left Tuesday night's game in the 12th inning after limping on his left foot following a lead-off hit. Cash said Caminero has been dealing with lower-extremity issues but is ready to play.
Source: KSAT-TV
