Rays get big contributions across the board in romp over Braves

ATLANTA -- In the grand scheme of things, only a few numbers really mattered for the Rays on Tuesday night at Truist Park.

Start with the final score: 7-1, Rays.

Then look at Tampa Bay’s record: 86-58, best in the American League. Go ahead and include four, too, because the Rays are still four games ahead of the Yankees in the AL East with 18 remaining.

But the Rays did a lot of encouraging things to earn the series-opening victory against the National League East-leading Braves, blasting four home runs and making big plays all over the place to continue their march toward their first postseason appearance since 2023.

“In the big leagues, anyone can beat anyone,” catcher Liam Hicks said. “But it's good to go up against one of the best teams in the league and be able to compete right with them, show that we're one of those teams, as well.”

Here are a few of the important numbers the Rays produced individually as they collectively moved even closer to the playoffs.

Junior Caminero: 39, 455

In the first inning, Caminero crushed a 2-0 fastball from Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver out to left-center field for a solo homer. It was Caminero’s 39th home run of the season, surpassing Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez for the AL lead, and it traveled a Statcast-projected 455 feet, the second-longest shot of his young career.

But in the dugout and after the game, Caminero received more praise for hustling down the line to beat out a potential double-play grounder ahead of Hicks’ third-inning homer. And he was just as proud of that as the tape-measure long ball.

“That's all you control. Get on base [and run] really, really hard,” Caminero said. “No matter what, if it's a bad day, good day, you've got to be there and help your team.”

Chandler Simpson: 404, 40

This is going to be a special series for Simpson, the Atlanta native playing in his hometown for the first time as a Major Leaguer. He had a section full of family and friends, including his parents, Ralph and Edye, cheering for him near his spot in left field on Tuesday night.

Just playing a big league game within the 404 area code would be unforgettable for the second-year speedster. But he made it a memorable night on the field, too, recording his 40th stolen base of the season as he swiped second and came around to score on a single by birthday boy Victor Mesa Jr. in the third inning.

Simpson, who stole 44 bases last season, joined Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton as the only players in franchise history with multiple 40-steal seasons. He also became only the fifth player in the modern era to reach 40 steals in each of their first two Major League campaigns, joining Chad Curtis (1992-93), Delino DeShields (1990-91), Vince Coleman (1985-86) and Bert Daniels (1910-11).

“Just blessed with the abilities that I've been given,” Simpson said. “And the fact I was able to get 40 at home, I'm definitely gonna remember that forever.”

Freddy Peralta: 6, 1, 92

That’s six innings with just one run allowed on 92 pitches for Peralta, who recorded his third straight quality start to continue his remarkable turnaround since joining the Rays before the Trade Deadline.

“He should have a lot of confidence. He's a really good pitcher,” manager Kevin Cash said. “The last three [starts] for us is probably [a] closer version to the guy he's been his entire career.”

The right-hander permitted only five hits (all singles) and a walk, retired 16 of the final 18 batters he faced and threw only 60 pitches over his final five innings after a 32-pitch first.

“All the work that I have done since I got here, and even when I was struggling, it's paying off,” Peralta said. “Just reminding myself who I am.”

Liam Hicks: 2-2, 18

Behind the plate, Hicks played a big part in Peralta’s turnaround. With the bases loaded and two outs in the first inning, Peralta battled Austin Riley for seven pitches before firing a 2-2 changeup down and away.

It was initially called a ball, but Hicks beat Peralta to the punch and alertly challenged the pitch. Sure enough, Peralta’s offspeed offering grazed the outside corner, and the call was overturned to an inning-ending strike.

“He kind of gave me the look. I could tell he was going to, and I was like, 'All right, I need to now,’” Hicks said. “In that moment, you have to use it. That could be the game right there.”

Hicks continued to be a force at the plate, too, blasting a two-run homer that sailed over the head of right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. -- although he sold it well, even fooling Hicks -- and into the seats for the cleanup-hitting catcher’s 18th homer.

“I thought [it was gone] off the bat, for sure, but I mean, I saw him do that, and I was like, 'Oh, maybe off the wall?'” Hicks said. “A little deke, but I'm glad it got over.”