The Tampa Bay Rays are on fire. Their 13-3 win over the Houston Astros at Daikin Park last night showed just how strong they’ve become. Junior Caminero’s six RBIs helped the Rays win eight of their last nine games. Their record is now 29 wins and 27 losses, their best since early April.
The big moment came in the seventh inning. The Rays had a three-run lead, but Astros pitcher Shane Baz scored three runs to level the game. Then the Rays answered with a five-run surge that put the game beyond reach.
Caminero was outstanding. He hit a three-run homer and finished with three hits. “The whole lineup is strong, from one to nine,” he said. “The pitchers have been doing a great job too. Everything’s clicking right now.”
The rally began with Josh Lowe hitting a sharp single to left field. Since returning from injury in mid-May, Lowe has been a huge boost. Before he came back, the team averaged fewer than 4 runs per game. Since then, they have scored 5.5 runs per game and won 10 of 14 matches.
Brandon Lowe kept the momentum going. He extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single and then got hit by a pitch, helping set up runs. Yandy Díaz followed with a smart single. Jonathan Aranda added a crucial double when a grounder slipped past the Astros’ catcher.
Then Caminero blasted a homer over 100 mph down the middle — his 11th of the season. “I feel really good, getting close to 100%,” he said.
Speed is another key for the Rays. Chandler Simpson stole three bases last night, causing chaos on the bases. His effort helped turn walks and hits into runs and kept pressure on the Astros’ defence.
The Rays added five more runs in the eighth inning with doubles from Caminero, Kameron Misner, and José Caballero. By the end of the game, every batter had at least one hit, showing the team’s depth.
Manager Kevin Cash said, “Our offence showed real character. Scoring five runs off a top pitcher like that is outstanding. It’s a sign a team is gaining momentum and confidence.”
Josh Lowe added, “Even when they came back, we fought right back and took the lead. We stuck it to them with that big inning.”
With their pitchers holding opponents to three or fewer earned runs in seven straight games and their hitters firing, the Rays look ready to push deep into the season.
Junior Caminero collects 6 RBI to help @RaysBaseball win for the 8th time in their last 9 games. pic.twitter.com/Z31WyXxs7J
— MLB (@MLB) May 30, 2025
Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
