Image Source: ESPN
Tampa Bay finally got the offensive spark it needed, as Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda powered the Rays to a convincing 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday night. The win in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series evened the matchup at two games apiece and guaranteed the series will return to Florida for Game 6.
The trio, playfully labeled “Los Tres Pequeños” by manager Kevin Cash during their recent slump, responded in emphatic fashion. Caminero, Diaz and Aranda combined to go 6-for-14 with five RBIs, helping the Rays recover from a difficult opening stretch in the ALCS.
Tampa Bay’s Big Three Deliver a Powerful Response
Diaz provided the final exclamation point in the ninth inning. The designated hitter launched a two-run home run just over the right-field wall, finishing the night 2-for-5 and giving Tampa Bay valuable late insurance.
Aranda was even more productive after entering the game hitless in his first 10 at-bats of the series. He went 3-for-4 and played a major role in a decisive seventh inning. His single brought home two runs when Cleveland right fielder Chase DeLauter misplayed the ball, allowing it to roll under his glove. Aranda advanced to third on the error and later scored on Chandler Simpson’s sacrifice fly.
“Los Tres Pequeños right there,” Caminero said after the game. “Pretty good job today for the boys.”
The performance was especially important for Caminero, the Rays’ 23-year-old cornerstone and an American League MVP candidate. He had gone 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Game 3, a surprising showing for a hitter on a team known for making consistent contact.
Junior Caminero Answers With Impact Contact
Caminero immediately looked more comfortable at the plate in Game 4. In the third inning, he smashed a 110.7 mph fly ball to center field that traveled 410 feet. Petey Halpin made a spectacular catch at the wall, denying what appeared to be a home run.
According to ESPN Research, the ball had a 1.000 expected batting average and would have cleared the fence in 17 of 30 major league ballparks. It was also the first ball hit at least 110 mph at that launch angle during the Statcast era that did not become a home run.
Caminero did not have to wait long for another opportunity. In the sixth inning, he crushed a 110.2 mph line drive into the left-field corner for an RBI double. After reaching second base, he pounded his chest and placed a finger to his lips, signaling that the criticism had been answered.
“Everybody knows me,” Caminero said. “Everybody was confused about the four strikeouts, and I said, ‘No, no. I know who I am.’”
Nick Martinez and Rays Bullpen Hold the Line
The offensive turnaround was supported by a strong pitching performance from Nick Martinez. The right-hander held Cleveland to one run on two hits over 5⅓ innings, continuing his excellent road form. Martinez posted a 2.38 ERA in 16 road starts during the regular season.
Freddy Peralta then entered in the sixth inning for his first relief appearance since 2024. With one out and a runner on first, Peralta worked around a walk and escaped the threat on only nine pitches.
Ian Seymour allowed two runs in the seventh, but Kevin Kelly, Cam Booser and Bryan Baker combined for two scoreless innings to protect the lead. The Rays’ bullpen regained control when it mattered most, setting the stage for Diaz’s ninth-inning blast.
What Comes Next for Tampa Bay?
Drew Rasmussen is scheduled to start Game 5 for Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon against Cleveland rookie left-hander Parker Messick. Rasmussen has been one of the Rays’ most dependable arms and will face a Guardians team trying to regain control of the series.
- The ALCS is tied 2-2.
- Game 5 will determine which team takes the series lead.
- Game 6 will return to Florida.
- Teams winning Game 5 after a 2-2 series tie have historically won the series 67% of the time.
The Rays’ victory also showed why their three central hitters remain so important to the championship push. When Caminero, Diaz and Aranda produce together, Tampa Bay’s lineup becomes difficult to contain. Their Game 4 resurgence could be the turning point of the ALCS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of ALCS Game 4?
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 4, tying the American League Championship Series at two games apiece.
Who were Tampa Bay’s top offensive performers?
Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda combined for six hits and five RBIs. Diaz hit a two-run homer, while Aranda finished 3-for-4.
What did Nick Martinez contribute?
Martinez allowed one run on two hits across 5⅓ innings, giving Tampa Bay an important quality start on the road.
When is the next game?
Game 5 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, with Drew Rasmussen expected to start for Tampa Bay against Parker Messick of Cleveland.
