Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Adrian Beltre finished with four hits and David Ortiz smacked a three-run homer, as the Boston Red Sox beat the scuffling Rays, 8-5, in the opener of a two-game set.
Lackey Effective, Late Rays Rally Falls Short In Red Sox Victory
Bill Hall added a two-run homer while playing second base in place of the injured Dustin Pedroia, who suffered a broken bone in his foot Friday against the Giants. Pedroia was one of a number of Boston players to suffer an injury in the weekend set in San Francisco, joined by starter Clay Buchholz (hyperextended left knee) and catcher Victor Martinez (broken thumb).
However, the Red Sox took the series and won their third in a row Tuesday, thanks to the offensive showing and seven strong innings from John Lackey (9- 3). The right-hander allowed eight hits and walked two, but gave up just one run to win his fifth consecutive decision.
Tampa Bay's James Shields (6-8), on the other hand, dropped his seventh straight start after allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks in five- plus innings.
The Rays rallied for four runs in the final two innings, but lost for the 12th time in their last 17 games.
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