Junior Caminero blasted his 41st home run for a walk-off 2-1 win over the Athletics, lifting the Tampa Bay Rays to 91-59. With a 3.5-game AL East lead over the Yankees, Tampa Bay's pitching shines, but offensive concerns remain with 12 games left.
The Tampa Bay Rays pick up another win on Tuesday after walking off the Athletics 2-1 at Tropicana Field.
The win moves the Rays to 91-59 on the year, with a 3.5-game lead over the New York Yankees with 12 games remaining in the regular season.
Here is what you need to know from the contest.
Junior Calls Game
For the second time in one week, Junior Caminero takes care of business all by himself with the game on the line.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Caminero continued his impressive run for AL MVP when he sent his 41st home run over the wall at Tropicana Field, securing the Rays' 91st win of the season.
With 12 games to go, Caminero is only four home runs away from tying his career high of 45, set last season. He also continues to lead Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros by two home runs for the most in the American League, setting up what should be a very close race for who will win Most Valuable Player in the junior circuit.
Jax and Bullpen Step Up
It was another great showing for Tampa Bay Rays pitching as Griffin Jax stepped up with another great start.
The 31-year-old right-hander picked up seven strikeouts and only allowed two hits across five scoreless innings on Tuesday night, setting his bullpen up nicely for the rest of the way.
Four relievers followed Jax in the outing, and only prospect Ty Johnson allowed an earned run after a wild pitch in the top of the sixth inning.
Signs of Concern?
Although it was the bat of Junior Camiero that launched a walk-off homer to end this one for the Rays, it's worth mentioning that the rest of the lineup, including him, struggled for most of the game at the plate.
The team only recorded 6 hits in the contest and allowed Jack Perkins, the Athletics starting pitcher, to record 8 strikeouts on the batting order. Tampa Bay struck out 10 times in the contest. This comes against Perkins, who has a 6.14 season ERA.
It may be nothing, or a sign of a possible regression for these Rays bats. Something they can't afford to have entering the final stretch of the season.
They will be back in action on Wednesday night as Rays All-Star Nick Martinez will take the mound looking for his 15th win of the season. He will face left-hander Brady Brasso for the A's. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST.
