Spanish
Tampa, FL.— A risky but brilliant play by Dominican Junior Caminero sealed an electrifying 4-3 victory for the Tampa Bay Rays over the Texas Rangers on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Caminero, who was encouraged to “be aggressive” by coach Rodney Linares just before going out on the field, turned that advice into a decisive performance.
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The 21-year-old young third baseman hit a home run, drove in a run, and scored the winning run with an impressive run from second base on an infield single by Taylor Walls, completing a dramatic walk-off that left the fans speechless.
“I was just trying to be aggressive there. As soon as he put the ball in play, I was off,” said Caminero, who didn't even wait for the third base coach's signal before heading for home plate. His safe slide sealed the game with a flourish and unleashed euphoria on the field.
The play capped a chaotic ninth inning that began with a single by Yandy Díaz, followed by a walk to Jonathan Aranda. Caminero brought the Rays closer with a hit that drove in José Caballero and kept hope alive. Then, a ground ball by Christopher Morel and the timely hit by Walls unleashed the madness.
Starter Ryan Pepiot also shone by recording his sixth consecutive quality start. The bullpen extended its streak to 16 games allowing four runs or fewer, tying a club record.
With this victory, the Rays completed their third sweep of the year and improved their record to 33-29, placing them four games above .500 for the first time since the end of last season. They have won 12 of their last 15 games.
“That was a little crazy,” manager Kevin Cash confessed about the final play. “I didn’t expect to look up and see Caminero running around out there.”
The result was the Rays' fifth walk-off win of the season and an unforgettable night for Caminero on the day dedicated to him with his own bobblehead.
