Rays Strike Early But Fall To Red Sox, 5-2

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The Tampa Bay Rays were looking to bounce back after last night’s shutout loss to the Boston Red Sox. The shutout came for the first time to the Red Sox since October 1, 2022, and the first one since September 2nd, 2021 at Tropicana Field. One of the major reasons for the loss came in the hitting department. The Rays only had three hits a season-low which was matched on March 31st against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the win the Boston Red Sox are back at .500 for the first time since May 16th. The Red Sox scored most of their five runs on multiple two-run home runs from Rafael Devers and Cadanne Rafaela. Also, Jarren Duran hit his league-leading eighth triple of the season. Yandy Diaz the Rays first baseman got the night off and right fielder Randy Arozarena returned.

He wanted to increase his batting average as he is hitting below the Mendoza line. Tonight’s game featured starting for the visiting Boston Red Sox Cooper Criswell who at one time was a bullpen pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays countered with Zack Littell who was hoping to have a similar start to one that Taj Bradley had last night. Tampa Bay needs to figure out how to get through the opposing batting order the second time around as that has cost them in many games. The Red Sox wore their road all-grey jerseys and navy blue caps once again. Tampa Bay was wearing their all-white uniforms with navy blue caps. During batting practice, both teams seemed relaxed and ready for the second game of this three-game series. The Rays struck early getting timely hits which resulted in two early runs. The Red Sox also had fielding issues.

The two runs that Tampa Bay scored came off the bat of Issac Paredes who singled to bring in both runs. Boston would get some hits starting with Devers scoring one run and cutting into Tampa’s lead. Jose Siri who has spent most of the time in the dog house with fans and management made another blunder not in the field but running. He ran outside the baseline which started a double play. As the game proceeded to the second half it was just one two three innings for both teams. The nonhits for both teams ended as the Red Sox left fielder hit a solo shot to tie the score at two in the top of the sixth. Zach Littell left after five and two-thirds innings. He gave up two runs, three hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts.

Bradon Lowe the Rays’ second baseman was still trying to find a way to get a hit. The Red Sox also made a pitching change in the sixth inning. Criswell went 5 ⅓ innings giving up six hits, two runs, one walk, and six strikeouts. Yandy Diaz came in as a pinch hitter and took Jonathan Aranda’s spot at first base. Like the Rays, Boston had some pinch hitters that took their respective positions on defense. 12,274 was the announced attendance that was under what it was in game one. It was a nailbiter heading into the final two innings tied up at two. The 2-2 tie was broken up as the Red Sox got a series of hits off of Rays reliever Jason Adam. Abreu got a single scoring Rafaela from third. Abreu then made a running error overstepping second base and being tagged out.

Duran on a double steal scored from third giving the Boston Red Sox a two-run lead 4-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth. Resse Mcguire Boston catcher hits a solo home run in the top of the ninth extending the lead to three 5-2. Once again that is where the game would end with another Red Sox win. In this game the Rays got hits but after the first inning could not score runs. Boston got some timely hits late in the game to secure a victory and series win over Tampa as the series will conclude today. Rafael Devers’s home streak came to an end this evening.