The Tampa Bay Rays got exactly what they needed Saturday night: another win, another series clincher, and a 7-6 finish over the San Diego Padres that pushed them to 81 victories on the season. The result also gave Tampa Bay its third straight win, with the offense doing enough damage early and the bullpen hanging on late.
Nick Martinez once again gave the Rays a strong start. The veteran right-hander worked six innings and allowed three unearned runs on seven hits while striking out four. The damage against him came late in his outing, but Tampa Bay had already put itself in position to keep control of the game.
That control briefly wobbled after Kevin Cash went to Garrett Cleavinger, who was tagged for three runs before getting pulled. From there, though, the Rays settled things down with the relief arms they trust most. Kevin Kelly and Bryan Baker combined for 2.2 scoreless innings, and Baker locked down his MLB-leading 39th save of the year.
The power came from the middle of the order. Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda both homered, helping fuel a night when Tampa Bay’s lineup kept finding answers. Caminero’s blast was his 36th of the season, adding another line to a year that has him in the American League MVP conversation and, at minimum, in the runner-up spot.
Yandy Diaz also drove in three runs, while Chandler Simpson added an RBI of his own as the Rays continued to show a more dangerous version of their offense in the second half.
There were also signs that the bottom of the lineup is beginning to chip in. Cedric Mullins and Taylor Walls each got a hit and reached base, finishing a combined 3 for 7. Both players scored, giving the Rays extra traffic for the top of the order to work with.
If that lower third keeps contributing, Tampa Bay’s offense can keep giving its big bats room to carry the load.
The Rays will go for win No. 82 and a sweep of the Padres on Sunday, with All-Star Drew Rasmussen set to start. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 pm Eastern.
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