The A's snapped the Rays' win streak on July 1, 2025, with a 6-4 victory. A 9th-inning triple off Pete Fairbanks sealed the deal despite a HR from Caminero.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a back-and-forth battle that had all the makings of another gritty Rays win, but it all came undone in the ninth. The Tampa Bay Rays fell 6-4 to the Oakland Athletics on Monday night, a tough loss that snapped the team's impressive five-game win streak following a defeat. A late rally by the A's against closer Pete Fairbanks proved to be the difference, leaving fans at Steinbrenner Field wondering what could have been.
In the ninth, Lawrence Butler broke the tie with a two-run triple off Pete Fairbanks, who allowed three hits and two runs in the inning.
The game was there for the taking, tied 4-4 heading into the final inning. But the usually reliable Pete Fairbanks couldn't find his footing. The A's pounced, with Lawrence Butler delivering the crushing blow: a two-run triple that silenced the home crowd. Fairbanks (3-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing three hits and two runs, a rare blemish for a bullpen that has been a significant strength for the Rays this season.
It wasn't all bad news for the Rays' offense. Rookie sensation Junior Caminero continued his incredible power display, launching his 21st home run of the season—a two-run shot that helped tie the game. The offense, which has been scorching since late May, also got key RBI singles from the ever-clutch Jonathan Aranda and Jose Caballero. However, the missed chance in the eighth inning looms large. The Rays threatened to take the lead but were snuffed out by a double play and a perfect throw from Colby Thomas to cut down Brandon Lowe at the plate, a play that proved pivotal.
There's no time to dwell on the loss, as the Rays will have to turn the page quickly for the next game in the series. They'll be facing a familiar face on the mound in former Ray Jeffrey Springs. Springs (6-6, 4.30 ERA) will toe the rubber for Oakland, creating an intriguing storyline. Tampa Bay will counter with their own ace, Shane Baz (8-3, 4.37 ERA), in what promises to be a compelling pitching duel.
This one stings, no doubt about it. Losing a tight game in the final inning always does, especially when it snaps a streak. But this team has shown its resilience all season. The focus now shifts to Tuesday's matchup against former teammate Jeffrey Springs, offering a chance for immediate redemption and a great storyline to follow. Let's see if Shane Baz and the bats can get the Rays back in the win column.
