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Rays Extend Nine-Game Streak, Beat Astros 3-1

7/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 on July 4, 2026, extending their win streak to nine games.
Nick Fortes contributed a home run and a run-scoring double as the Rays homered in eight straight games.
Kevin Kelly pitched 1 2/3 innings without allowing a hit and earned the win.
Cristian Javier was activated from the 60-day injured list and will work out of the bullpen.

History

Historical Context

After Billy Beane’s 2002 Oakland Athletics set an AL record with a 20-game winning streak and finished 103-59, the franchise became a benchmark for sustained success. In 2026 the Tampa Bay Rays, led by Nick Fortes’s homer and Kevin Kelly’s 1 2/3 -inning shutout, matched that momentum with a nine-game streak, pressuring rivals such as the Houston Astros.

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Story summary

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 on July 4, 2026, extending their win streak to nine games.
Nick Fortes contributed a home run and a run-scoring double as the Rays homered in eight straight games.
Kevin Kelly pitched 1 2/3 innings without allowing a hit and earned the win.
Cristian Javier was activated from the 60-day injured list and will work out of the bullpen.

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