St. Petersburg, FL – Drew Rasmussen, Garrett Cleavinger, and Bryan Baker combined to hold the Cleveland Guardians to just one hit leading the Tampa Bay Rays to the 1-0 victory and a series sweep on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field.
Drew Rasmussen (9-5, 3.07 ERA) gets the win for the Rays who return to a season high 19 games over .500 at 62-43. Garrett Cleavinger worked a scoreless eighth inning to pick up his 18th hold (leads all American League LH RP), and Bryan Baker worked a scoreless ninth to pickup his 28th save and 17th consecutive save opportunity converted.
Drew Rasmussen allowed a leadoff double to Steven Kwan to open the game, the Rays pitchers did not allow another hit for the remainder of the game.
Parker Messick (8-6, 2.59 ERA) takes the loss for the Guardians who fall to 54-53 on the season. It marks the second time this season the Guardians have been held to one hit (also April 5 vs Chicago White Sox) and it was the second time they were swept (also by New York Yankees June 6 through 8) in a three game series. They were shutout in back-to-back games for the first time since August 23 through 25, 2025 (three games).
Chandler Simpson opened the bottom of the fifth with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He moved to third base on a ground out to second by Ben Williamson and came into score on a bunt base hit by Cedric Mullins to give the Rays the 1-0 lead. With his single, Simpson has reached base safely in 26-of-30 games dating back to June 19th. He finished the game 2-for-3 marking his third consecutive multi-hit game, tied for the longest run of his career. In his last 19 games dating back to June 19th, Simpson is slashing .382/.407/.482 with two doubles, six RBI, 13 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases.
Rasmussen & Messick Stage A Pitching Duel
Drew Rasmussen was stellar working 7 scoreless innings allowing just one hit (a leadoff double to Steven Kwan) while striking out nine, walking one, and hitting a batter. Rasmussen made 87 pitches with 60 for strikes. Rasmussen has walked two or fewer batters in all 20 of his starts. He extends the Rays starting staff streak of consecutive games allowing 2 earned runs or fewer to seven straight games.
Parker Messick nearly matched Rasmussen allowing just one run in 7.2 innings of work on six hits while striking out six and walking none. He threw 94 pitches with 67 for strikes. He’s worked at least 5-innings in all 21 of his starts in 2026 and 27 of his 28 career starts. It marks Messick’s 12th quality start on the season. It marks the first time in his career he’s worked seven inning while allowing one or zero runs in a start.
Up Next For Rays:
Tampa Bay will have Monday off before welcoming in the Texas Rangers for a three game series starting Tuesday night.
