The Tampa Bay Rays (45-31) defeated the Boston Red Sox (44-31) 1-0 on Thursday night at Tropicana Field. The win lifts Tampa Bay back into first place in the American League East by half a game over Boston.
The Rays did not get a hit until Kevin Kiermaier doubled with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Red Sox up to that point had been attempting a combined no-hitter after starter Nick Pivetta was pulled without allowing a hit after six and two thirds innings in which he struck out eight and walked two. The Rays pitching was able to pitch a shutout - Michael Wacha set the pace, allowing one hit in five innings of work while striking out seven and walking two.
So the game would be tied 0-0 heading to the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs, Manuel Margot singled to reach base, then stole second and reached third base on a throwing error. After Joey Wendle was intentionally walked, Red Sox pitcher Matt Barnes threw a wild pitch that allowed Margot to score and the Rays walked off the field with a 1-0 win.
The Rays remain at home for another three game series, this time against the Angels which begins on Friday. First pitch Friday night from Tropicana Field is scheduled for 7:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher and the Inside Pitch at 6 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES