Full Breakdown
Junior Caminero’s Three-Homer Night Fuels Rays’ Near No-Hitter Against Royals
6/26/2026, 1:34:28 PM
Game Overview
On June 26, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Kansas City Royals 13–2 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rays carried a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before Craig Kimbrel surrendered a two-run homer to Carter Jensen, ending the shutout and the no-hit attempt. Junior Caminero supplied the offensive engine, homering in the first, fifth and eighth innings and driving in six runs.
Series Context
The contest was part of a four-game series; the victory split the series at 2–2. Kansas City was held hitless in the first, third, fourth and seventh innings, limiting the Royals to two runs in the ninth. The franchise’s only official no-hitter was Matt Garza’s July 26, 2010, 5–0 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Key Performers
- Junior Caminero (Rays, 3B) – three home runs (first, fifth, eighth innings) and six RBIs.
- Ian Seymour (Rays, RHP) – entered after opener Casey Legumina, worked 6 2/3 innings, struck out seven, issued one walk, and allowed no hits.
- Casey Legumina (Rays, RHP) – opened the game, retired the first 1 1/3 innings.
- Craig Kimbrel (Rays, RHP) – entered in the ninth; gave up a two-run homer to Carter Jensen.
- Seth Lugo (Royals, RHP) – started for Kansas City, gave up seven runs on seven hits in five innings.
- Carter Jensen (Royals, 1B) – hit the two-run homer that broke up the no-hit bid.
- Jonathan Aranda (Rays, SS) – singled early and added multiple doubles later.
- Cedric Mullins, Taylor Walls, Victor Mesa Jr., Yandy Diaz (Rays, OF/IF) – contributed singles, walks, and a three-run homer (Mesa Jr.) that extended the lead.
Statistical Highlights
- Final score: Rays 13, Royals 2.
- Rays total hits: 15; Royals hits: 7.
- Caminero’s line: 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3-0 with three runs scored.
- Seymour’s pitching line: 6 2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K on 90 pitches.
- Legumina: 1 1/3 IP, 3-0, 0 H.
- Kimbrel: 0 2/3 IP, 2 R (both on Jensen’s homer).
- Total runs by Rays by inning: 2 (1st), 0 (2nd-3rd), 3 (4th), 2 (5th), 0 (6th), 1 (7th), 5 (8th), 0 (9th).
Why It Matters
Caminero’s three-HR performance marks his first career three-home-run game and supplied the bulk of the Rays’ offense. The near no-hit bid, lasting 8 1/3 innings, placed Tampa Bay within striking distance of a franchise-rare achievement; only Matt Garza’s 2010 no-hitter precedes it. The game also highlighted the effectiveness of the Rays’ “opener” strategy, with Legumina handling the first frame before transitioning to a traditional bulk pitcher.
What’s Next
With the series now tied 2–2, the final game will determine the overall winner. The Rays enter that matchup carrying offensive momentum from a 13-run outburst and a strong bullpen performance, while the Royals will look to rebound after a shutout-ending ninth-inning rally.
