The Tampa Bay Rays (70-45) defeated the Boston Red Sox (66-51) 8-1 on Thursday night to claim the finale of the three game series. The win pushes Tampa Bay to a five game lead for first place over the Red Sox in the American League East, and made them the first team to 70 wins in the American League.
Tied 1-1 in the sixth, Wander Franco put together a tremendous at bat. On the eleventh pitch of the at bat, he hit a ball that slammed off the wall in left-center field that wound up bouncing over the elevated flagpole. On review it was determined to be a two-run home run, and the Rays never looked back. The Rays added four runs in the eighth, including a three-run home run from Mike Zunino, to put this one away.
Drew Rasmussen allowed one earned run on one hit while striking out four and walking two in four innings of work. Collin McHugh (4-1, 1.41) picked up the win out of the bullpen after pitching two shutout innings.
The Rays continue their three city road trip as they head to Minnesota on Friday to take on the Twins First pitch Friday night is scheduled for 8:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz at 7:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES