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Aranda's 10th-Inning Homer Lifts Rays Past Rangers 6-3

Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena added to a five-homer barrage as Tampa Bay defeated Texas 6-3 at Globe Life Field on Saturday.

Marlene Keller

September 6, 20262 min read

sports victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
MLBFinal
Tampa Bay Rays6
Texas Rangers3

September 5, 2026

Game Summary

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Texas Rangers 6-3 in a contest defined by long balls. Five home runs were hit during the game, with Wander Franco, Randy Arozarena, and Nick Gonzales each launching one solo shot. The decisive blow came in the 10th inning when Aranda drove a ball to right center, scoring two additional runs to secure the victory.

The Rays took an early lead in the first inning when Caminero homered to center field, measuring 425 feet. Texas tied the game in the fifth when Palacios hit a 384-foot homer to right. The Rangers regained the lead in the sixth on a Pederson home run to right center (409 feet).

However, Tampa Bay answered immediately in the eighth. Hicks singled to left, allowing Aranda to score, before Carter homered to right center (421 feet) and Foscue doubled to center to drive in Cauley, giving the Rays a 3-2 advantage.

The game remained close until the 10th inning. Aranda’s three-run homer ended the contest, providing the margin needed for the win.

Pitching Performance

Drew Rasmussen was the standout pitcher for Tampa Bay, earning the win (4-2) by pitching seven innings. He allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out seven batters without issuing a walk. Tyler Wells closed out the game with two scoreless innings, picking up his fourth save of the season. He struck out three batters and did not allow any hits or walks.

Kevin Kelly (30) pitched 0.1 innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs. Cam Booser (1) pitched 0.2 innings, allowing one hit but no earned runs.

For Texas, Jacob deGrom started the game, going six innings. He allowed four hits and two earned runs while striking out seven batters. Tyler Alexander pitched one inning, allowing two hits and one strikeout without giving up any earned runs. Jakob Junis pitched one inning, allowing three hits and one earned run.

Jacob Latz (3-2) took the loss after pitching 1.2 innings. He allowed one hit and two earned runs while walking two batters and striking out one. Adam Macko pitched 0.1 innings, allowing no hits or runs.

Final Details

The game was played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with an attendance of 31,657 spectators. The result improved the Tampa Bay Rays record to 85-57 and dropped the Texas Rangers to 70-73.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816821

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Marlene Keller

Marlene Keller covers Melissa high school and area college sports.

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