Yandy Diaz's two homers and 900th hit led the Rays to a 4-0 shutout win over the Dodgers on Aug. 2, 2025. See how Diaz and Caminero dominated Snell.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Tampa Bay Rays delivered a powerful message on Saturday night, blanking the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in a statement victory fueled by the long ball. Yandy Diaz was the star of the show, launching two home runs and reaching a career milestone, while rising star Junior Caminero added a blast of his own. The win evens the series and sets up a thrilling rubber match on Sunday, the team's final home game before a lengthy road swing.
Yandy Diaz didn't just hit his 19th and 20th home runs of the season; he also collected his 900th career hit in a dominant 3-for-4 performance.
Yandy Diaz put the team on his back Saturday, single-handedly powering the offense. He wasted no time, leading off the game with a 326-foot homer off his former teammate Blake Snell. He wasn't done, adding a two-run shot in the third to break the game open. The multi-homer performance was historic, as a third-inning single marked his 900th career hit. Diaz's leadership at the plate, combined with a stellar 5 1/3 scoreless innings from Drew Rasmussen, was the decisive factor.
Just when you think Junior Caminero's season can't get any more impressive, he adds another chapter. The young slugger provided a key insurance run in the sixth inning with a solo shot, his 27th home run of the year. Caminero is now firmly chasing the 30-homer plateau, a remarkable feat that solidifies his place as a cornerstone of the Rays' offense. His consistent power has been a critical component of the team's success all season.
The on-field celebration was tempered by some difficult news off of it. The Rays confirmed that Jonathan Aranda will undergo UCL surgery on August 8, a devastating blow that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. With Stuart Fairchild and Hunter Bigge also on the IL, the team's depth is being tested. In response, the Rays recently recalled left-hander Mason Montgomery from Triple-A Durham to bolster the pitching staff, a move that highlights the constant effort to patch holes and stay competitive.
The Rays have little time to celebrate Saturday's win, as a formidable challenge awaits in the series finale. They'll face Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto (9-7, 2.63 ERA) in what promises to be a pitcher's duel. The Rays will counter with Joe Boyle (1-1, 2.82 ERA), who will need to be sharp to keep the momentum going. This isn't just a rubber match; it's the team's final game at home before embarking on a grueling 14-day road trip, making a victory all the more crucial.
Saturday's victory was a perfect encapsulation of the 2025 Rays: explosive talent, next-man-up mentality, and the resilience to overcome adversity. As the team braces for the loss of Jonathan Aranda, they'll need every bit of that power and grit for Sunday's finale against a true ace and the long road that lies ahead. The stage is set for a dramatic send-off.
