Rays Smash Orioles 11-1 as Caminero Homers Twice in Offensive Blowout

By Oliver Wiener July 21, 2025 09:43

The Tampa Bay Rays unleashed a dominant offensive display to crush the Baltimore Orioles 11-1 on Friday night at Tropicana Field, snapping a frustrating four-game losing skid and sending a strong message in the tight AL East race. The Rays rode the electrifying power surge of All-Star prospect Junior Caminero, who slammed two home runs, and the steady arm of starter Taj Bradley to deliver a comprehensive win that highlighted their depth and resilience.

Caminero, who was runner-up in this year’s Home Run Derby, showcased his prodigious power with two towering homers. His first came in the very first inning a three-run blast that jumpstarted the Rays’ offense and set the tone early. He followed that up with a solo shot in the sixth inning as part of a six-run frame that effectively put the game out of reach. “I felt great at the plate tonight,” Caminero said. “Our team fought hard after a rough stretch, and hitting those shots gave us the confidence we needed.” His second multi-homer game of the season extended his home run total to 25, continuing his breakout campaign as one of baseball’s most dynamic young players.

Adding to the offensive fireworks, Yandy Díaz delivered a grand slam in the sixth inning, his 15th homer this year and only the second grand slam of his career. “Yandy’s a professional hitter; he takes good at-bats and always puts himself in a position to help the team,” said manager Kevin Cash. Díaz’s blast brought home four runs, swelling a lead that the Rays never relinquished. Danny Jansen also contributed with a solo homer, his 10th round-tripper of the campaign.

On the mound, Taj Bradley provided stability and command, throwing six shutout innings while scattering three hits and issuing just one walk, complementing his six strikeouts with efficient control. Bradley has improved markedly against Baltimore this season, and tonight’s performance helped the Rays regain momentum offensively and on the mound. “I worked on staying aggressive with my fastball and mixing my secondary pitches,” Bradley explained. “Our offense gave me great leads, which made my job easier.”

The Orioles, coming off a tough finish to the first half, were overwhelmed by Tampa Bay’s potent attack. Starter Charlie Morton struggled early, surrendering five runs over three innings, and the Baltimore lineup failed to find sustained traction against Bradley and the Rays bullpen. Baltimore’s only run came late in the ninth inning on a score by Gunnar Henderson, who had a strong day overall, including a triple and a double.

Interim Orioles manager Tony Mansolino acknowledged his team’s struggles but remained optimistic. “We didn’t play well tonight, but we’ve bounced back before after tough games,” he said. “We have to stay focused and respond.”

The Rays’ 11 runs marked their 12th game this season scoring in double digits, underscoring their offensive consistency. With this win, Tampa Bay improved to 52-47, climbing closer in the divisional standings where every game counts.

Looking forward, the Rays aim to carry this momentum into their next matchup against the Orioles, as they continue jockeying for critical postseason positioning. “This is the kind of team effort we need more often,” Cash remarked. “When our pitching and hitting click like tonight, we’re hard to beat.”

In a game where power met precision, the Rays’ 11-1 blowout of Baltimore displayed their championship-caliber balance and firepower, with Junior Caminero’s two homers standing out as a defining highlight of the evening.