Game 1: The Rays came back from deficits of 3-0 and 4-2 to pull out a 6-4 win over Boston in the series opener at Publix Park. Leading the way was Jose Machado, who went 4-4 with a solo homer (#2) and 2 RBI while Joel Bland capped a 3-run rally in the 6th with an RBI single that proved to be the game-winner. Dave Rose (4-1) was the winner after a fine 7 4 4 3 2 11 outing and Mario Berumen had an uneventful 9th for his 4th save.
Game 2: Mr. Clutch did it again. Takayuki Tsujimura has had a knack for the big hit since last year's postseason and today he walked off a 5-4 Tampa Bay win over the Red Sox with a pinch-hit homer leading off the 9th inning, his 2nd longball of the year. Also going yard for the Rays were Joel Bland (#2, a 3-run shot) and Jesus Avalos (#10, solo) as all the Tampa Bay scoring came via the homer. Elijah Whitaker started and went 5.2 9 3 3 2 5 with Dave Flores (1-1) picking up the win in relief.
Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep of Boston with another tight and late win, prevailing 5-4 in 13 innings after tying the game in the 9th. Ezequiel Avalos, who had homered twice (#6 & 7) earlier in the game and drove in 3, drew a leadoff walk in the 13th before Paul Mayes doubled him to 3rd and Dave Gonzalez brought him home to walk it off with a single. Tampa Bay trailed 4-3 with two out and nobody on in the bottom of the 9th before three straight singles, the last of which came from Jose Machado, brought in the tying run. Melvin Lopez was 5 7 3 3 2 7 as the starter, Mario Berumen went 3 scoreless in relief from the 9th to the 11th, and Erik Witten went the final two for his first win since rejoining the Rays.
Team record: 18-10. Baltimore did finally lose, but only once, so the Rays have moved within 3 1/2 of the division lead. Next up: The Yankees visit for 3 games.
A monthly honor for a Ray:
