The Red Sox forfeit their first series against the Rays in 2024.
The Boston Red Sox needed a victory to split the series going into their Thursday night game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park, but they lost 7-5.
After a strong start to the season, starter Cooper Criswell somewhat retreated, giving up five runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. But Richie Palacios hit a ball off his foot on a play that resulted in one of those runs, and the umpire missed it.
Shortstop Ceddanne Rafaela didn’t assist Criswell either; he committed another mistake in the field that resulted in one run being scored, and another being scored on a wild pitch.
Rafael Devers hit his second home run in as many games, and the Red Sox were behind 5-1 when Criswell left the game in the fourth.
In the fifth inning, Boston took advantage of Tampa Bay starter Zack Littell, scoring three runs on a double by Garrett Cooper and a groundout by Dominic Smith with the bases loaded. In the following inning, Jarren Duran hit a single home ball to center field to tie the score.
At one point in the ninth inning, it appeared as though the Red Sox may win, but Kenley Jansen found himself in a non-save scenario. He struck out the opening hitter, but then gave up a walk, two singles, and a sacrifice fly, giving the Rays a 7–5 lead that they would hold throughout the game.
Boston is currently in fourth place in the AL East with a 22–22 record. Starting on Friday, they will play a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
