The game was effectively decided before the first inning was over. Junior Caminero's three-run homer to center — 437 feet — turned a 1-0 Arizona lead into a 3-1 TB advantage, and the Rays never looked back, winning 6-1 on Friday night at Tropicana Field.
Nick Martinez was the beneficiary and the backbone. He worked 5.2 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits with 3 strikeouts and no walks, throwing 85 pitches. Now 7-2 with a 2.66 ERA, Martinez has been one of the more reliable starters in the American League this season.
Gerardo Perdomo gave Arizona the early lead, homering to right center — 421 feet — in the top of the first. But Caminero answered immediately. With Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda on base, he drove a ball 437 feet to center, scoring both runners and putting TB in front 3-1. That was the swing that settled it. TB added three more in the seventh: Cedric Mullins homered to right center, Feduccia scored on a Diaz single, and Aranda doubled home Diaz to close out the scoring at 6-1.
Zac Gallen absorbed the loss, falling to 3-7. He lasted 6.2 innings, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits with 2 walks and no strikeouts across 86 pitches. His ERA stands at 6.46.
TB extended its winning streak to two games and improved to 45-33, sitting second in the division. Arizona, also on a two-game winning streak entering the night, dropped to 41-39. Yandy Diaz, who scored twice and drove in a run, is one double away from 200 career doubles.