Tampa Bay Rays Defeat Detroit Tigers 8-3
Junior Caminero, Danny Jansen, and Christopher Morel each launched solo home runs, propelling the Tampa Bay Rays to an 8-3 victory against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.
Taylor Walls contributed significantly with two RBIs, while Yandy Díaz extended his hitting streak to an impressive 12 games. Ryan Pepiot (5-6) showcased his skills by striking out seven batters over five innings, allowing just one run.
With this win, Tampa Bay has now claimed two consecutive victories over the AL Central-leading Tigers, improving their record to a season-high nine games above .500 at 43-34. The Rays have been particularly dominant, boasting a major league-best record of 22-8 since May 20.
For Detroit, Jahmai Jones provided some offense with an RBI double, and Jake Rogers also contributed with a run batted in. Brant Hurter (2-3), who started as the opener, managed only two outs and was charged with four unearned runs.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Caminero and Jansen hit back-to-back homers, extending Tampa Bay's lead to 7-1. Morel added another home run in the seventh inning.
Making his major league debut, 6-foot-10 prospect Paul Gervase took the mound in relief of Pepiot and delivered two scoreless innings.
Hurter began the game strong, retiring the first three batters, including striking out both Lowe and Caminero. However, a passed ball by Rogers allowed Lowe to reach base, leading to a four-run inning for the Rays, capped off by Walls' two-run single that chased Hurter from the game.
In total, the Rays have scored eight runs in the first inning across the first two games of this series.
Looking ahead, right-hander Casey Mize (7-2, 2.96 ERA) is set to pitch for Detroit on Sunday, while Tampa Bay will counter with right-hander Zack Littell (6-7, 3.88 ERA).
