NewsWFLA News Channel 8September 12, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay Rays Clinch Playoff Spot With Junior Caminero's Walk-Off Homer
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
Junior Caminero hit a game-ending two-run home run—his 40th of the season—to secure a 3-1 victory for the Tampa Bay Rays over the Houston Astros on Friday night. With the win, the Rays became the first major league team to clinch a postseason spot this season.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
The Tampa Bay Rays secured a spot in the postseason with an 88-59 record, making them the first team in the major leagues to clinch a playoff berth this season.
Key Facts
- The Tampa Bay Rays became the first major league team to secure a postseason spot this season.
- Junior Caminero hit a game-ending, two-run home run, marking his 40th of the season.
- The Rays defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 on Friday night.
- The Tampa Bay Rays hold an 88-59 record and the American League's best record.
Who's Mentioned
locationFla.“State where the game took place”OrganizationAmerican League“Holds the best record in this league”PersonJunior Caminero“Hit the game-ending, two-run home run.”locationTexas“Defeated the Rays in a wild-card series in 2023.”OrganizationAtlanta Braves“Previous team to lock up a postseason spot early on Sept. 10, 2023.”OrganizationLos Angeles Dodgers“Reached the World Series after being first to secure a playoff berth in a past s”locationST. PETERSBURG“Location where the game took place.”OrganizationHouston Astros“Opposing baseball team in the game.”OrganizationElias Sports Bureau“Provided historical data on playoff berth timings.”OrganizationChicago Cubs“Reached the World Series after being first to secure a playoff berth in a past s”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Baseball team that clinched a playoff spot.”OrganizationBoston Red Sox“Reached the World Series after being first to secure a playoff berth in a past s”OrganizationNew York Yankees“Trailing the Rays by three games in the AL East.”