Rays Beat Tigers 4-1 as Rasmussen Extends Win Streak

Drew Rasmussen pitched six strong innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out five as the Rays defeated the Tigers 4-1, extending his win streak to seven starts and dropping Detroit further in the AL wild-card race. Jonathan Aranda homered, and Yandy Díaz and Vilade provided run support to build a 3-1 cushion after an early 2-0 lead, with Rasmussen retiring the final eight batters he faced. Rasmussen improved to 14-5 with five strikeouts, throwing a career-high 103 pitches and securing the win; Bryan Baker earned the save. Detroit starter Framber Valdez allowed four runs in six innings, and Detroit has now dropped six straight and nine of ten while sliding in the pennant race. The Rays, who lead the AL East, head into the series opener against Detroit seeking continued offensive consistency as Detroit tries to snap its skid.