Díaz's Heroics Propel Rays to 3-2 Victory Over Marlins

Yandy Díaz delivered a crucial two-run homer in the fifth inning, propelling the Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. His double in the eighth inning set the stage for the winning run, showcasing his impact on the game.

The pivotal moment came when Díaz connected with a pitch from Miami reliever Valente Bellozo, tying the game at 2. Following his double in the eighth, Díaz was replaced by pinch runner José Caballero, who stole third base and later scored on Brandon Lowe's sacrifice fly off Calvin Faucher, sealing the win for Tampa Bay.

In an unusual turn, Drew Rasmussen, who had been leading Major League Baseball with a streak of 23 scoreless innings, saw that run come to an end in the first inning. Xavier Edwards opened with a single and advanced to third on a groundout by Jesús Sánchez, exploiting a defensive lapse by the Rays. Otto Lopez then delivered an RBI single, giving Miami an early 1-0 advantage.

Following Rasmussen's rocky start, Ronny Henriquez and Cade Gibson contributed by pitching scoreless innings after Miami's opener Anthony Veneziano had two shutout innings. Bellozo faced trouble in the fifth when he walked Taylor Walls before allowing Díaz's ninth home run, which tied the game.

Marlins rookie Heriberto Hernandez, who had driven in the winning run in a previous game, started as designated hitter and made an immediate impact by reaching base in his first three at-bats. He led off the fifth with a hit off Rasmussen, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on Sánchez's base hit, extending Miami's lead to 2-0.

Rasmussen concluded his outing allowing two runs on six hits over six innings. Prior to this game, he had won four consecutive starts without yielding a run since May 11 against the Brewers. Edwin Uceta earned the win after striking out three batters in two perfect innings.

This matchup marked a split in the six-game season series between the Rays and Marlins, with Tampa Bay having dominated the previous six seasons. Caballero's successful steal of third base in the eighth inning marked his 21st of the season, tying him for the lead in the American League.

Leading the majors with 90 stolen bases, the Rays have capitalized on their speed, while the Marlins have struggled defensively, allowing 96 steals this season. Looking ahead, Tampa Bay will send right-hander Shane Baz (5-3, 4.96) to the mound for their upcoming series against Boston, where they will face right-hander Brayan Bello (2-1, 3.91).

Meanwhile, the Marlins have yet to announce their starting pitchers for their three-game series against the Pirates beginning Monday.