Rays win again after celebration

by Gary Shelton on September 13, 2026

in general

Caminero celebrates his 40th homer./KIM HUKARI

Sunday, 4 a.m.

Perhaps they aren't done, after all.

A night after clinching the post-season, the Rays lengthened their lead in the AL East to four games over the New York Yankees. The Rays edged Houston, the lealder in the AL West, 3-2.

The Rays have won six of their last eight games.

Saturday's game lacked the drama of Friday's game, when Junior Caminero hit his 40th home run in the bottom of the ninth for a 3-1 lead. That set up a massive celebration.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) celebrates with the fans during an MLB game against the Houston Astros on September 11, 2026 at Tropicana Field. The Rays beat the Astros 3-1 and are the first team to clinch post season play in Major League Baseball. (Kim Hukari/Image of Sport)

But, no, the Rays were lethargic in their follow up game.

Richie Palacios had a two-run single in the fifth, and Nick Madrigal had a tie-breaking sacrifice fly in the seventh to left the Rays to their win.

Ian Seymour threw six innings and allowed just two runs to lead the Rays. He struck out 10.

Reliever Tyler Wells (5-2) got the victory. Bryan Baker had his 40th save.

The Rays and Astros close out their series today at 1 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Freddy Peralta (8-11) will start for the Rays against Hayden Wesneski (5-1).

Aranda'a double set up win./KIM HUKARI

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