Yandy Díaz's 10th-inning double lifts the Rays over the Twins 7-5 on July 6, 2025. Harrison Bader's clutch homer forces extras in a thrilling comeback win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you've seen it all, the Tampa Bay Rays find another way to rip a win from the jaws of defeat. In a Sunday classic against the Minnesota Twins, the Rays clawed their way back before exploding in the 10th inning for a heart-pounding 7-5 victory, capping off a weekend full of milestones and momentum.
Brandon Lowe has tied the Rays' franchise record with a 20-game hitting streak, matching the mark set by Yandy Díaz just last season.
It was a true team effort at the Trop. After a solid start from Joe Boyle, who gave up just one unearned run over five frames, the game turned into a nail-biter. Down to their final outs, Harrison Bader came off the bench in the eighth and delivered a massive two-run pinch-hit homer to tie the game at 4-4. Then came the 10th. With the ghost runner on second, Yandy Díaz stepped up and laced a go-ahead RBI double, sparking a three-run rally. A crafty sacrifice bunt from José Caballero later led to a wild pitch, allowing Díaz to score the crucial insurance run. Pete Fairbanks slammed the door, earning the win with five gutsy outs in relief.
While the Sunday win was the main event, the biggest individual story belongs to Brandon Lowe. On Saturday, the second baseman extended his hitting streak to a remarkable 20 games, officially tying the franchise record. It's a testament to his incredible consistency at the plate, providing a steady offensive spark for the club. He now shares the top spot with teammate Yandy Díaz, who set the mark just last season. All eyes will be on Lowe in Detroit to see if he can claim the record all for himself.
The front office has been busy ensuring the big league club has the right pieces. The most significant recent move was the reinstatement of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim from the 60-day IL on July 3rd, a massive boost for the infield defense and lineup. To make room, promising young first baseman Curtis Mead was optioned to Durham for more consistent at-bats. These moves, along with Alex Faedo beginning a rehab assignment, show the team is constantly optimizing as they head into a crucial three-game series against the Tigers in Detroit starting tonight.
The future continues to look incredibly bright for the organization. The Rays' minor league affiliates are buzzing with talent. High-A prospect Alex McFarlane recently threw a no-hitter, an incredible feat that showcases the pitching depth in the system. Meanwhile, slugger Lazaro Montes continues to tear the cover off the ball at the Double-A level, and Carter Jensen is also turning heads. It’s a great reminder that even as the big league club competes, the next wave of Rays talent is developing and dominating.
With the emotional high of a dramatic extra-inning win and Brandon Lowe chasing history, the Rays roll into Detroit with a full head of steam. This team has shown its resilience time and again, and with key players returning and the farm system churning out stars, the second half of the season is shaping up to be an exciting ride. First pitch against the Tigers is tonight—let's see if they can keep the magic going!
