The Boston Red Sox (26-24) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (25-26) 8-5 on Wednesday evening at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox completed a sweep of the three-game series over Tampa Bay, who have now lost four in a row.
The Rays got three runs in the second inning after Jose Caballero drove in two before Yandy Diaz drove in a run on a ground ball out. The Red Sox had a huge answer, coming up with five in the fifth and three in the sixth to take an 8-3 lead.
The Rays got single runs back in the seventh and ninth to pull within 8-5 but that would be as close as they would get.
Ryan Pepiot got the start coming off the IL and allowed three earned runs on two hits in five innings of work while striking out three and walking four. Richard Lovelady (0-2, 8.59) took the loss allowing two earned runs while getting only two outs out of the bullpen.
The Rays are now off on Thursday before hosting a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals beginning on Friday night. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6:50 PM - pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting the Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES