Strasburg struck out three and threw 22 of 35 pitches for strikes before being removed. The right-hander gave up three hits and one walk.
"I think the last time I was in a competitive setting, it was a pretty big situation," Strasburg told reporters, referring to his win over the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the World Series. "You try not to think about how you're feeling out there, but it didn't really have the same rush of adrenaline as the last start. You just kinda roll with what you've got."
Vidal Brujan's two-run double off Strasburg in the second inning gave the Rays a 3-1 lead. Brian O'Grady added a homer and two-run double for Tampa Bay.
