Junior Caminero powered the Tampa Bay Rays past the Houston Astros with a career-high six RBIs in a 13-3 win on Thursday night in Houston. Caminero’s offensive explosion played a critical role in ending Houston’s four-game winning streak and showcased the young player’s growing impact in the league.
Key Moments That Shifted the Game
The contest was tied at 3-3 entering the seventh inning, with no outs and runners on second and third. Yandy Díaz delivered an RBI single to give the Rays the lead. Soon after, Jonathan Aranda reached base, and Díaz scored on a fielding error by Astros first baseman Victor Caratini, pushing the score to 5-3 in favor of Tampa Bay.
Caminero then launched his 11th home run of the season off Astros pitcher Bryan King, extending the Rays’ lead to 8-3. At 21 years old, Caminero continued his impressive display with a double in the eighth inning that drove in two more runs, contributing to Tampa Bay’s five-run frame and sealing a commanding 13-3 advantage.
Astros’ Offensive Highlights Amid Struggles
Despite the loss, Houston’s Jose Altuve and Yainer Díaz each hit solo home runs. Altuve tied the game at 3-3 with a home run to left-center field off Shane Baz in the sixth inning, marking his third homer in as many games after hitting two home runs in a game just two nights prior. However, the Astros were unable to mount a sustained comeback against the Rays’ pitching and defense.
Early Plays Set the Tone for Tampa Bay
The Rays took an early lead in the first inning when Yandy Díaz drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. Later in the fourth, Randy Arozarena successfully stole second and third bases before scoring on a throwing error by Houston’s Yainer Díaz, extending Tampa Bay’s advantage to 2-0. Caminero helped widen the gap with a two-out RBI single in the fifth inning, making the score 3-0 before Houston began chipping away.
Yainer Díaz responded with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth to bring Houston within a run. An RBI single by Mauricio Dubón narrowed the deficit to 3-2, but the Astros could not capitalize further against the Rays’ pitching staff.
Pitching Performances and Defensive Efforts
Starting pitcher Ryan Gusto struggled for Houston, allowing two runs on four hits and issuing four walks in just 3 2/3 innings. The Astros bullpen, featuring five relievers including César Salazar who pitched the ninth inning and hit one batter during a scoreless frame, could not contain Tampa Bay’s offense. Shane Baz surrendered seven hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Rays, while Edwin Uceta earned the win after recording the last out of the sixth.
Running Game and Team Leadership
The Rays showcased their speed by recording five stolen bases on Thursday, bringing their season total to an MLB-best 81. Randy Arozarena accounted for three steals during the game, raising his personal tally to 19, which ranks third across Major League Baseball so far this season.
Looking Ahead to the Next Game
The series continues Friday night with Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (4-4, 3.39 ERA) set to face Tampa Bay right-hander Ryan Pepiot (3-5, 3.55 ERA). Both teams will look to adjust after Thursday’s results, with the Rays aiming to build on their offensive momentum, while the Astros seek to regain their winning form.