[OmahaBaseball]

Not the prettiest win, but given the challenges the team has had this season I will take it. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (25-23) bested the hometown Tampa Bay Rays (21-28) by a 9 to 8 score.

Boston starter Garrett Whitlock was ineffective, as he permitted 6 earned runs on 7 hits and a wild pitch while striking out 4 in 4 1/3-innings of play; Game Score 29. Former Rays pitcher Garrett Cleavinger (1-0) picked up the win despite allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, 3 walks, and a hit batsman in his 3-inning appearance. Nick Pivetta (H 2) kept the offense in check in his 2/3 of an inning of work before turning the ball over to Liam Hendriks (SV 8) to close out the game in his 1-inning of scoreless ball. The Red Sox offense was powered by Rafael Devers (2 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI), Ceddanne Rafaela (3 for 5, Double, 3 RBI), Masataka Yoshida (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, Walk), and Marcelo Mayer (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base).

For the Rays, starter Jeffrey Springs was roughed up for 7 earned runs on 9 hits and 4 walks while striking out 7 in 4 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 21. Tyler Alexander worked 2 1/3-innings of relief and permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks before turning the ball over to Pete Fairbanks (0-1) who was burdened with the loss after allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits in 1-inning of play. Taj Bradley pitched the final inning in a scoreless appearance. At the plate, Jose Caballero (3 for 4, Double, Run, 3 RBI, Walk), Randy Arozarena (3 for 5, Triple, 3 Runs), Junior Caminero (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), and Isaac Paredes (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Jose Caballero

AL East Standings: 5 GB, 2nd Place