Key Offensive Plays
Tampa Bay Rays players Fortes and Caminero each launched home runs to help secure a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The win marks the ninth consecutive victory for Tampa Bay, who improved their record to 52-33. Houston fell to 43-47 after the loss at Daikin Park, where 36,039 fans watched the contest.
The Rays struck first in the top of the sixth inning. Fortes hit a 391-foot home run to left center, giving Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead. The Astros responded later in the same inning when Alvarez connected on a 427-foot shot to right center, tying the game at 1-1.
Tampa Bay regained the lead in the seventh inning. Caminero homered to left field, putting the Rays ahead 2-1. The offense added another run in the eighth inning. Fortes doubled to center field, allowing Walls to score from second base and extend the advantage to 3-1.
Pitching Performances
Nick Martinez started for Tampa Bay, pitching 5.1 innings. He allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out three batters and issuing one walk. Martinez’s outing set the stage for the bullpen to close out the game.
Kevin Kelly earned the win for the Rays, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings. He did not allow any hits, runs, walks, or strikeouts. Casey Legumina pitched one perfect inning with no hits, runs, walks, or strikeouts to secure the hold. Bryan Baker recorded his 23rd save by pitching a scoreless eighth inning with one strikeout.
