Brandon Lowe 18-game hitting streak reached new heights on Wednesday as the Tampa Bay Rays secured a nail-biting 6-5 win over the Oakland Athletics at home, with Lowe’s sixth-inning double making franchise history. His milestone not only broke records previously held by iconic Rays but gave the team a timely boost as the playoff race intensifies.
Lowe Surpasses Franchise Legends with Record Streak
Lowe stepped into the spotlight after starting the game 0-for-2, only to ignite the Rays’ offense in the sixth with a crucial double to center during a high-pressure, five-run rally. With that swing, he extended his hitting streak to 18 consecutive games, overtaking former standouts Aubrey Huff and Tommy Pham, who each set the bar at 17 games in 2002 and 2018.
His achievement now puts him alongside Wilson Ramos and Quinton McCracken on the Rays’ all-time leaderboard, bettered only by Jason Bartlett’s 19-game run in 2009 and Yandy Diaz’s record-setting 20-game streak in 2024. This progression reinforces Lowe’s reputation among elite company within Tampa Bay’s baseball lore.
Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Lowe’s remarkable run:
He’s on a pretty impressive run. What can I say? I hope it continues,
—Kevin Cash, Rays Manager. Cash further detailed Lowe’s approach at the plate, emphasizing his discipline and strength:
When hitters are going like him, you’re covering pitches, you’re laying off close pitches to get the count back in your favor, and then you get a pitch to hit. He’s really handling them with a lot of power.
—Kevin Cash, Rays Manager.
A Stellar Stretch Fueled by Consistent Power
Lowe’s current streak commenced on June 11 against the Boston Red Sox, where he went two-for-four. Over the following games, he delivered seven outings with multiple hits, consistently sparking Tampa Bay’s offense. Across the last 30 days, he has posted an impressive .344 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a staggering .635 slugging percentage. His 33 hits, eight home runs, four doubles, and 19 RBIs during this period position him as a dominant force among major league second basemen.
For the season, Lowe’s .274 batting average marks a career-best through 81 games, and his rank as third in team hits while being second both in home runs and RBIs highlights his essential contribution to the Rays’ lineup. As the All-Star race heats up, his numbers only reinforce his candidacy and showcase the value he provides as Tampa Bay’s batting anchor.
A Road Trip with Records on the Line
The Rays now look ahead to a road series against the Minnesota Twins, which begins Friday at 4:10 p.m. ET. Lowe, riding the momentum of his 18-game hitting spree, will have the opportunity to add to his record while further strengthening his legacy. Both fans and the organization are eager to watch if his torrid pace continues as the team pushes deeper into the playoff hunt.
Crucial Team Contributions and Unforgettable Moments
While Lowe’s performance took center stage, the Rays’ win over the Athletics was a collective effort. Starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot delivered six focused innings, setting up the late-game drama. After Tampa Bay’s explosive sixth, the bullpen held strong, weathering a tense ninth inning to seal the victory and series finale.
The game also featured a unique highlight from outfielder Jake Mangum, who delivered an inside-the-park home run—the first for Tampa Bay since 2023. This rare feat further energized fans and rounded out a day packed with excitement and historic milestones.
Brandon Lowe’s 18-game hitting streak has done more than rewrite franchise history—it has embodied the energy and optimism fueling Tampa Bay’s playoff pursuit. As the team heads into another challenging series, the spotlight remains fixed on Lowe and the Rays, with every at-bat now carrying the weight of history and postseason dreams.