The Tampa Bay Rays, known for their small-ball tactics early this season, displayed their power potential in their recent game. They defeated the White Sox 8-3, securing their fifth straight win.
Rays Unleash Home Run Power
Junior Caminero initiated the offensive surge with a solo home run in the third inning. This was only the second time this season the Rays have hit three home runs in a single game. “That’s baseball right there,” Caminero said. “We hit, run, bunt, we have power. We have everything this year. If you saw us last year, the lineup was not like that.
“This year you see everything, and that’s baseball.”
Caminero’s home run, his third of the season, travelled 393 feet with a 104.8 mph exit velocity. He attributed his strength to his offseason training. Jake Fraley added a leadoff home run in the sixth inning, extending the Rays’ lead to 4-0.
Jonny DeLuca delivered the final blow with a three-run home run in the seventh inning, further solidifying the Rays’ advantage.
Scholtens Shines on the Mound
Jesse Scholtens delivered a strong performance for the Rays’ pitching staff, which has been dealing with injuries. Ryan Pepiot was moved to the 60-day injured list, and Joe Boyle was placed on the IL last weekend. Scholtens pitched five shutout innings against his former club, entering the game in the third inning after opener Cole Sulser.
Scholtens has pitched 9 2/3 shutout innings to start the season. “I think you always hope performances lead to a lot of opportunity, but that’s not my call to make,” Scholtens said. “I’m just out there trying to help these guys win ballgames, and so far, we’ve been able to do that
DeLuca Ready When Called Upon
DeLuca spoke about his preparation as a non-starter. “I kind of have my routine by now of just any game I’m not starting, I feel like I’m going to get in there at some point,” DeLuca said. “Usually (in the) fourth, fifth inning, I move around, start getting the body ready and then taking swings. Just staying in my routine and got a good pitch to hit right there.”
The Rays’ manager, Kevin Cash, had previously commented on Caminero’s performance, noting his consistent at-bats. “I think he’s played really well, he’s had great at-bats all season long for us,” Cash said on Tuesday. “We’re all expecting him to have 10 (home runs) right now, which is probably unfair. Realistically, I think a couple of homers, and we’re probably looking at, ‘Oh here goes Junior again.’”
With a combination of power hitting and solid pitching, the Rays are showing their capabilities this season.