Caminero’s 39th Long Ball Powers Rays Past Braves in 7-1 Rout

Caminero Powers Rays Past Braves

Junior Caminero continues to put on a show in his breakout season, crushing his American League-leading 39th home run to set the tone for a dominant Tampa Bay Rays victory. Caminero’s 455-foot launcher off Atlanta Braves starter A.J. Smith-Shawver into the left-field bleachers sparked a four-homer night for Tampa Bay, who comfortably handled the Braves 7-1 on Tuesday night at Truist Park. Caminero finished 2-for-3 on the night, adding a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and two runs scored to his dynamic performance.

Peralta Delivers Another Gem

Rays starter Freddy Peralta (8-11) provided a steadying presence on the mound, holding Atlanta to just one run over six sharp innings to earn his third consecutive victory. Peralta has hit his stride since arriving at the trade deadline from the New York Mets, posting a 3-2 mark while allowing just two runs over his last 18 innings of work. Atlanta’s sole offense came in the opening frame, when Drake Baldwin drove in Ronald Acuña Jr., but Peralta locked down the Braves’ lineup the rest of the way.

Power and Speed Fuel Tampa Bay’s Attack

The Rays quickly took control of the contest as Liam Hicks launched a two-run homer in the third inning to push the lead to 3-1. Tampa Bay padded its advantage late when Yandy Díaz and Richie Palacios added solo home runs in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively. Victor Mesa Jr. celebrated his 25th birthday in style, going 2-for-5 with an RBI and a stolen base. Meanwhile, Atlanta native Chandler Simpson made a memorable return home, singling, scoring a run, and swiping his 40th base of the season. According to MLB researcher Sarah Langs, Simpson became the first player since Chad Curtis (1992–93) to record back-to-back 40-steal seasons to begin his career.

Smith-Shawver Struggles in Return

It was another frustrating night for Braves starter A.J. Smith-Shawver (0-2), who continues to struggle after returning from Tommy John surgery last June. Smith-Shawver was pulled after giving up four runs over 3 1/3 innings, bringing his season tally to 18 runs allowed across 21 innings over five starts.

Series Continues on Wednesday Night

The series continues Wednesday night as Rays right-hander Griffin Jax (6-10, 3.82 ERA) takes the mound. The Braves will counter with righty Reynaldo López (4-3, 3.64 ERA), who makes his first start since July following a stint on the injured list with left knee inflammation.