The Skinny: The Rays and Red Sox met on Friday night, in a virtual tie for first place in the AL East. The Rays, coming off a series win over the Sox earlier, fell on Friday night 7-3. The Rays are now 16-13 on the season, one game behind the Red Sox.
The Pitching: Edwin Jackson started for the Rays and didn’t have his best stuff. He struggled with the patient Boston hitters and lasted only 4 innings before getting pulled. He gave up 6 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks. The Red Sox seemed to be on base constantly while he was on the mound. Jackson took the loss and is now 2-3 on the year.
The Hitting: The Rays were down 6-0 before they were able to put some runs on the board. They scored their first run on a wild pitch in the 5th inning. They tagged on two more runs in the 7th inning on sacrifice outs by Crawford and Iwamura. Crawford, Pena, and Bartlett had 6 of the Rays 7 hits.
What’s Next?: James Shields will start Saturday night at Fenway Park against Josh Beckett of the Red Sox. Shields has been very good early in the season and the Rays will look for him to keep that up as they look to even the series at a game a piece.
