Rays Beat Twins in Extras Behind Palacios' Two-Run Homer

Tampa Bay concludes long road trip with manager Kevin Cash's 900th career win.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:29pm

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In a close game on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-1 in extra innings. Richie Palacios hit a crucial two-run homer in the 10th inning to give the Rays the lead, while Junior Caminero also homered for Tampa Bay. The win marked the 900th career victory for Rays manager Kevin Cash, who guided his team through a grueling nine-game, 11-day road trip to open the season.

Why it matters

The Rays' extra-innings victory over the Twins showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games, even after a long and challenging road trip to start the season. The milestone 900th win for manager Kevin Cash underscores his steady leadership and the Rays' consistency as an organization.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 in the 10th inning, Richie Palacios stepped up and hit a two-run homer to give the Rays the lead. Earlier in the game, Junior Caminero had also homered for Tampa Bay. The win capped off a nine-game, 11-day road trip to open the season for the Rays.

  • The game took place on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Rays' road trip spanned 9 games over 11 days to start the season.

The players

Richie Palacios

A Rays outfielder who hit the game-winning two-run homer in the 10th inning.

Junior Caminero

A Rays player who also homered in the game.

Kevin Cash

The manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, who earned his 900th career win with the team's victory over the Twins.

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What they’re saying

“It was a long road trip, but the guys kept battling and we found a way to get the win. Richie came up big for us in extras.”

— Kevin Cash, Manager, Tampa Bay Rays

What’s next

The Rays will return home to Tampa Bay to host the Boston Red Sox in their home opener on Tuesday, April 7th.

The takeaway

The Rays' extra-innings victory over the Twins, capped by Richie Palacios' clutch two-run homer, demonstrates the team's ability to win close games and the steady leadership of manager Kevin Cash, who earned his 900th career win.