The Tampa Bay Rays extended their winning streak to eight games with a 12-4 victory over the Athletics. Nick Martinez threw a complete game, while Tampa Bay blasted six home runs as Junior Caminero continued his AL MVP-caliber season.
It was another huge night for the Tampa Bay Rays as they picked up their eighth straight win on Tuesday in Sacramento against the Athletics.
The team took down their American League rivals, 12- 4, and picked up their 73rd win of the season, now moving ahead six games in the American League East standings over the New York Yankees.
Here's what you need to know about Tuesday's contest.
Martinez does it all.
For only the second time in his lengthy MLB career, Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez went the distance. The veteran pitched a complete game in the victory against the Athletics.
Martinez had an efficient nine-inning outing as he only went 101 pitches, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and striking out five in the contest. Martinez allowed one home run to Lawrence Butler in the bottom of the fourth inning and hardly allowed base traffic the entire game. He limited the Athletics to going one for three with runners in scoring position.
It's the 12th win of the season for Martinez and just another reason to show how great this pitching staff has been so far for Tampa Bay. Martinez, who picked up his first All-Star appearance just last month, is showing that even as he gets older, he still has enough to help this team make a deep postseason run and have the confidence to start a playoff game when called upon.
Bats go wild.
Martinez was able to go the distance on Tuesday because the Rays' offense was incredible.
The team recorded six home runs in the game, including two from shortstop Taylor Walls.
Junior Caminero picked up his 35th home run of the season and is currently on pace to reach A career high of 47 homers if he continues at the same pace. The Rays' third baseman has clearly put himself in consideration for the American League MVP award.
Nothing seems to slow them down.
The best-case scenario is happening for Tampa Bay, as they have had one of the best road trips in franchise history and could truly solidify it with a win in the finale in Sacramento. The eight-game winning streak has certainly pushed the team into the category of the hottest team in baseball and is truly gaining some ground away from the rest of their division rivals.
The team will square off one more time before flying home to Tropicana Field as they take on the Athletics in the finale in Sacramento on Wednesday. Drew Rasmussen will get the start for Tampa Bay as he will face right-hander Jack Perkins. First pitch on getaway day is scheduled for 4:05 PM Eastern.
