The Tampa Bay Rays (12-0) defeated the Boston Red Sox (5-7) 9-7 on Wednesday night. Tampa Bay has now tied a franchise record with 12 consecutive wins - and has begun the season a stunning 12-0.
Taj Bradley (1-0, 5.40) won his major league debut, filling in for Zach Efflin who was placed on the injured list. He allowed three earned runs on five hits in five innings of work while striking out eight and walking one.
Randy Arozarena hit a three-run home run in the first inning and it appeared the Rays would pull away in this game as they built leads of 6-1 and 8-3. The Red Sox pulled within 8-7 before Tampa Bay got a run in the eighth inning to make it 9-7 and add some insurance.
Pete Fairbanks earned his second save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning in which he allowed just one hit.
The Rays will now look to sweep a four-game series against the Red Sox, and tie the modern MLB record with thirteen straight wins to start the season, when they meet the Red Sox on Thursday afternoon. Jeffrey Springs is expected to start for Tampa Bay, and face former Ray Corey Kluber for the Red Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher and Zac Blobner hosting the Inside Pitch at high noon on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
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