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Timing couldn't be better for Rays' Big Three to finally deliver

The Tampa Bay Rays’ postseason struggles finally turned a corner in Game 5 of the ALCS, as their star trio delivered clutch performances to secure a 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Junior Caminero, who had gone 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Game 3, redeemed himself with a game-changing two-run double in the sixth inning, snapping a tie and shifting momentum in the Rays’ favor.

The win restored home-field advantage for Game 6, now set for Monday night at Tropicana Field, after the series had been tied at two games apiece. Caminero’s heroics followed a frustrating start to the series, where he and teammates Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Díaz had combined for just one RBI in their first three games.

Aranda, who had been hitless in the ALCS before his two-out RBI single in the third inning, and Díaz, who capped the night with a two-run homer in the ninth, rounded out the Rays’ offensive resurgence. Manager Kevin Cash had noted Caminero’s motivation ahead of the game, describing him as relaxed yet ready to perform after a strong practice session the day before.

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