MLB-best Rays beat sloppy Pink Sox at Fenway 6-2

Josh Lowe, Luke Raley and Díaz every had two hits for the Rays (42-19), who’re 6-1 towards AL East rival Boston this season.

Alex Verdugo had two doubles, a triple and scored twice for the last-place Pink Sox.

With the Rays main 4-2 within the sixth and Manuel Margot operating on the pitch from first base, Díaz singled by way of a vacant second-base place — with Enmanuel Valdez heading over to cowl the bag — and into right-center.

Margot raced round to attain and Díaz headed for second on the throw to the plate. Boston catcher Connor Wong fired broad of second, and the ball sailed into an open space in heart subject with all three Pink Sox outfielders scampering to get it. By the point Verdugo retrieved it and fired towards the plate, Díaz scored standing as much as make it 6-2.

Rays rookie starter Taj Bradley (4-2) gave up two runs and 6 hits with six strikeouts in 5 innings.

Tampa Bay additionally scored one other run on an error when Margot’s fourth-inning RBI single led to 2 runs as left fielder Masataka Yoshida bobbled the ball, permitting Isaac Paredes to return dwelling for a 3-1 lead.

Pink Sox starter Tanner Houck (3-5) allowed 4 runs and 5 hits with six strikeouts and 4 walks over 5 innings.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rays: Raley was within the lineup after having Saturday off because of a light intercostal pressure. … Margot was again within the outfield after operating arduous into the wall Saturday whereas attempting to make a catch. “I might anticipate he was going to be fairly sore,” supervisor Kevin Money stated earlier than the sport. … Jose Siri was scratched with proper shoulder discomfort and Brandon Lowe with left leg discomfort.

Pink Sox: Positioned left-hander Joely Rodriguez on the 15-day injured listing with left shoulder irritation.

KEEP ON RUNNING

The Rays prolonged their membership document to 30 straight profitable stolen base makes an attempt when Josh Lowe swiped his 14th within the fifth inning.

BULLPEN CHANGES

The Pink Sox made a few strikes with their bullpen after placing Rodriguez on the IL. They recalled right-hander Kaleb Ort and left-hander Brennan Bernardino from Triple-A Worcester, and despatched down lefty Ryan Sherriff.

LINEUP CHANGES

The Rays adjusted their beginning lineup twice not lengthy earlier than the sport. First, they eliminated Siri and inserted Margot. Then, they took out Brandon Lowe and moved outfielder Josh Lowe into the identical spot within the batting order, shifting a few fielding positions.

UP NEXT

Tampa Bay LHP Shane McClanahan (8-1, 2.07 ERA) begins the sequence finale Monday afternoon towards RHP Brayan Bello (3-3, 3.89 ERA) within the make-up of Friday’s rainout.