Rays 3B Junior Caminero keeps slugging, earns second straight AL All-Star Game start

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Rays 3B Junior Caminero keeps slugging, earns second straight AL All-Star Game start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero provided his own MLB fireworks on July 4.

Two batters into Saturday's game at Daikin Park, the 22-year-old AL All-Star Game starter connected on a 437-foot solo blast, continuing his historic offensive streak.

Caminero became the first under-24 player in league history to compile at least 11 homers and 22 RBI during any 11-game stretch.

Named the AL Player of the Month Friday, Caminero slashed .481/.548/1.347 over the final seven June outings. His power streak continued four games into July, slamming three homers.

Rays AL All-Star Game starter Junior Caminero on power surge​

Entering Saturday, Caminero was the only player in MLB history to amass a batting average of at least .375, 10 home runs and 20 RBI while his team wins nine games during a 10-game stretch.

Sparked by his recent streak, Caminero on Saturday became the first in franchise history to earn consecutive All-Star Game starts.

Sealing his player of the month award, Caminero homered in six consecutive games and clubbed three in one game. With Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen earning AL Pitcher of the Month honors, it marked the first time the organization swept the monthly honors.

The AL East-leading Rays' nine-game winning streak ended Saturday with a 10-8 loss to the host Houston Astros. Along with his 26th homer, Caminero went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

The sparkling Rays (52-34) led 6-2 after three innings, but fizzled over the final six frames.

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• Rockies' Jake McCarthy establishes MLB single-game record
• From big winners to big losers, inconsistent Cubs match Boston Beaneaters' 1894 mark
• Will Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, Dalton Rushing create more on-field drama?
• Framber Valdez takes turn, fails to maintain Tigers' starting trend

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