Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero fulfilled a promise to his mother by hitting a game-tying home run on her birthday, sparking a three-run ninth inning in a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. The victory completed a sweep and marked the Rays' sixth straight win. Caminero's clutch hit at Guaranteed Rate Field propelled Tampa Bay to the best record in the American League at 11-7.
Junior Caminero texted his mother, Yeudy, in the Dominican Republic on Thursday morning, promising a home run for her birthday. Hours later, in the ninth inning with the Rays trailing 3-2, he delivered against White Sox closer Seranthony Domínguez. The 22-year-old smashed a 375-foot shot to left field on a sinker, tying the score at 3-all. It was his second consecutive home run after managing just two earlier this season despite a .351 on-base percentage. He credited hitting coach Chad Mottola for adjustments in the cage. 'Before the game I told her, 'I'll hit a homer for you,'' Caminero said. 'That was special for me.'
