Richie Palacios delivers clutch home run as Rays defeat Twins

Palacios hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the 10th inning to lead Tampa Bay to a series-clinching win over Minnesota.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:55am

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Richie Palacios hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the 10th inning to lift the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. Palacios' blast came on the second pitch from Twins reliever Justin Topa and scored Ben Williamson, who had started the inning on second base. Junior Caminero also homered for the Rays, while Matt Wallner went deep for the Twins. Rays starter Nick Martinez pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run on one hit with four strikeouts.

Why it matters

The win gives the Rays their first series victory of the young season and continues their strong start, while the Twins have now dropped two straight games after a promising opening series. Palacios' clutch home run in extra innings could be a key moment that helps propel the Rays to success later in the year.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 in the 10th inning, Palacios stepped to the plate against Topa and crushed a two-run homer to right field to give the Rays the lead. Caminero added an insurance run with a bases-loaded walk later in the frame. Rays reliever Kevin Kelly earned the save, while Bryan Baker picked up the win with a perfect ninth inning. Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson pitched well, allowing just one run on a solo homer by Caminero over 6 2/3 innings.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Palacios hit his go-ahead home run in the top of the 10th inning.

The players

Richie Palacios

A 25-year-old outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who hit the decisive two-run home run in the 10th inning to lead his team to victory.

Nick Martinez

The Rays' starting pitcher who threw six strong innings, allowing just one run on one hit with four strikeouts.

Matt Wallner

The Twins' outfielder who hit a solo home run in the second inning to open the scoring.

Simeon Woods Richardson

The Twins' starting pitcher who allowed one run on a solo homer over 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and two walks.

Junior Caminero

The Rays' outfielder who hit a solo home run to tie the game in the fourth inning.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge hit for us. Richie has been swinging the bat well and came through in a big spot to help us win the series.”

— Kevin Cash, Rays Manager

What’s next

The Rays will look to build on this series win as they head to New York to face the Yankees in a three-game set starting on Tuesday. The Twins will try to bounce back at home against the Guardians in their next series.

The takeaway

Palacios' clutch home run in extra innings proved to be the difference-maker as the Rays rallied to claim their first series victory of the young season. The win showcases the Rays' ability to win close games and get key contributions from their supporting cast, which will be crucial as they aim to compete in the tough AL East.