Junior Caminero Hits Two Home Runs as Tampa Bay Rays Edge Los Angeles Angels 5-4 Behind 16 Strikeouts

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025

Tampa Bay Rays Edge Los Angeles Angels 5-4 in Anaheim

Junior Caminero delivered a powerful performance, blasting his 29th and 30th home runs of the season to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The Rays combined for 16 strikeouts from six pitchers, outlasting a determined Angels squad in a closely contested game.

Caminero Powers Rays Offense

Caminero made an immediate impact, launching a career-best 447-foot homer with a runner on base in the first inning. He followed up with a solo shot in the third, marking his third game of the season with two home runs and bringing him to 101 career RBIs.

Christopher Morel, previously hitless in six at-bats with six strikeouts in the series, broke through with a go-ahead solo home run in the seventh inning to give the Rays a crucial lead. Nick Fortes also contributed, notching his first hit for Tampa Bay—a home run—since being acquired from Miami.

Strong Pitching Lifts Tampa Bay

Starter Shane Baz struck out nine batters over four innings, setting the tone for the Rays’ pitching staff. Garret Cleavinger secured the win to improve to 1-4, while Pete Fairbanks shut the door with his 19th save.

For the Angels, Ryan Zeferjahn took the loss, dropping his record to 6-4.

Trout Makes History for Angels

Mike Trout provided a major highlight for Los Angeles, tying the game with a three-run home run in the third inning. It was his 20th home run of the season and 398th of his career, but most notably, it marked his 200th at Angel Stadium. Trout is now the first player in MLB history with 200 home runs and 100 stolen bases (101) in a single ballpark.

Injuries and Notable Moments

Rays center fielder Jonny DeLuca exited the game in the sixth inning due to right hamstring tightness after managing a triple. DeLuca had just returned to the lineup on July 25 following a right shoulder strain rehab.

Key Moment

The Angels threatened in the eighth inning by loading the bases with no outs against Griffin Jax. Jax, acquired at the recent trade deadline, responded by striking out the next three hitters to preserve the Rays' lead.

Key Stat

This game marked Caminero’s third two-homer game of the 2025 season and pushed him over 100 career RBIs.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will enjoy a day off on Thursday. The Angels’ Kyle Hendricks (6-8, 4.59 ERA) is scheduled to face Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (11-3, 2.18 ERA) on Friday night. The Rays turn to Drew Rasmussen (9-5, 2.81 ERA), who will start against Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo (8-6, 3.22 ERA) in Seattle.

In summary

The Tampa Bay Rays emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Angels, 5-4, thanks to standout performances from Junior Caminero and the bullpen's clutch pitching. Caminero’s two home runs and Shane Baz’s nine strikeouts set the tone, while Mike Trout’s milestone homer highlighted the Angels’ night. Both teams will look to build momentum as the season continues, with notable pitching matchups set for their next games. Fans can look forward to more thrilling MLB action as the Rays and Angels continue their campaigns.

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