Yandy Díaz played the hero’s role for the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, hitting a game-tying two-run homer and sparking the go-ahead rally in the eighth inning as the Rays slipped past the Miami Marlins 3-2 in the series finale at Tropicana Field.
The Rays (35-30) claimed the rubber match of the three-game set and earned a split in the six-game season series with their in-state rivals, ending the Marlins’ streak of six consecutive years of losing the series.
Díaz tied the game 2-2 in the fifth inning with his ninth home run of the season — a towering shot to left off Miami reliever Valente Bellozo. In the eighth, Díaz doubled off Bellozo (1-3) with one out and gave way to pinch-runner José Caballero, whose speed proved decisive. Caballero stole third base — his 21st steal of the year, tying him for the American League lead — and then raced home on Brandon Lowe’s sacrifice fly to give Tampa Bay the lead.
“It’s what Cabby does,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “His instincts and aggressiveness changed the game in that moment.”
Drew Rasmussen, who entered the day with a major league-best 23-inning scoreless streak, saw that run end immediately. Marlins leadoff hitter Xavier Edwards singled, moved to third when the Rays failed to cover the bag on a Jesús Sánchez groundout, and scored on Otto Lopez’s RBI single. The Marlins added a second run in the fifth when rookie Heriberto Hernandez — starting at DH after his game-winning hit on Saturday — notched the third of his three singles, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on Sánchez’s two-out single.
Rasmussen settled in, finishing six innings with two runs allowed on six hits. He struck out five and walked one.
On the other side, the Marlins (24-39) pieced together the game with six pitchers. Opener Anthony Veneziano threw two scoreless frames before giving way to Ronny Henriquez and Cade Gibson, who each followed with scoreless innings. Bellozo faltered in the fifth and eighth, taking the loss after Díaz’s big swings.
Edwin Uceta (5-1) earned the win in relief for Tampa Bay with two perfect innings and three strikeouts, showcasing the bullpen depth that has become a hallmark of the club.
Miami’s aggressive offense couldn’t capitalize late, going hitless after the fifth inning. Meanwhile, the Rays used their MLB-leading speed to generate offense — their 90 stolen bases now lead the majors, while the Marlins have allowed a league-high 96 steals.
Caballero’s daring steal of third base in the eighth — his 21st of the season — put the pressure on Miami’s defense and led directly to the game-winning run.
The Rays now have 90 stolen bases, the most in the majors. The Marlins have allowed 96, also tops in the league.
The Rays head to Boston to begin a three-game series Monday, with RHP Shane Baz (5-3, 4.96 ERA) set to face Red Sox RHP Brayan Bello (2-1, 3.91 ERA).
The Marlins travel to Pittsburgh for the start of a three-game set with the Pirates. Neither team has announced a starter for Monday’s opener.
