The Rays stole a 4-3 win from the Orioles on July 20, 2025, with a wild 8th-inning rally. See how speed from Caballero & Simpson fueled the comeback.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Orioles had them on the ropes, the Tampa Bay Rays did what they do best: create chaos. Down by a run in the eighth inning on Saturday night, the Rays manufactured a stunning 4-3 comeback victory, not with a booming home run, but with speed, pressure, and a little help from a flustered Baltimore defense. It was a signature win that reminded everyone just how dangerous this team can be.
The Rays now lead MLB with 127 steals, using three in the pivotal eighth inning alone.
The rally was a masterclass in Rays baseball. It started with a Ha-Seong Kim leadoff single, who promptly swiped second base to get into scoring position. That set the stage for Chandler Simpson, who laced a single to tie the game. But the Rays weren't done. After José Caballero drew a walk, he immediately stole his MLB-leading 32nd base. With runners on second and third, Jonathan Aranda hit a grounder to first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, whose subsequent throwing error allowed both Simpson and Caballero to score, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead in the blink of an eye.
While the eighth-inning fireworks stole the show, the victory was built on a solid pitching performance. Starter Zack Littell was sharp, giving the team six strong innings while allowing just two runs. Edwin Uceta (6-2) then bridged the gap with two crucial scoreless innings to earn the win. In the ninth, it was up to Pete Fairbanks to lock it down. He did just that for his 16th save, inducing a deep fly ball from Jackson Holliday to end the game and secure the thrilling win.
While fans might be watching the calendar for trade deadline news, Sunday was a quiet day for transactions. No roster moves, no injuries, no trades. The focus remains squarely on the field, where the team's identity is shining through. Their aggressive baserunning is more than just a statistic; it's a core philosophy that directly translates to wins. Leading the majors with 127 steals, the Rays consistently apply pressure that forces opponents into mistakes, just as the Orioles learned the hard way. With the current roster executing this strategy to perfection, the front office can afford to be patient.
This two-game winning streak, capped by such a dramatic victory, provides a huge jolt of momentum. At 52-47, the Rays are proving they can win gritty, high-pressure games against tough divisional rivals. As they move forward, expect more of the same: solid starting pitching, a lockdown bullpen, and relentless pressure on the basepaths. This isn't just a win; it's a statement about who the 2025 Tampa Bay Rays are.
