Amed Rosario smashed a two-run triple in the first inning, helping Tampa Bay secure a 5-3 victory against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.
Rosario also contributed with an RBI double, while Yandy Díaz racked up three hits for the Rays, who are currently engaged in a series of 13 consecutive games against AL East rivals.
“Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash praised Rosario’s performance, highlighting his clutch hits at the beginning and end of the game,” said Cash.
Boston’s Tyler O’Neill countered with his 10th home run, a three-run blast, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Red Sox from falling short. Despite winning their last two games, they couldn’t overcome the Rays’ early lead.
Rays starter Zach Eflin allowed three runs on six hits over five innings before the bullpen took over. The relievers held Boston to just two singles for the remainder of the game.
The teams kicked off a series of seven games in 10 days against each other. Tampa Bay took the lead in the fourth inning with Jose Siri’s sacrifice fly, and later extended it to 4-3.
Relief pitchers Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger, and Jason Adam combined efforts to secure the win for Tampa Bay, with Adam striking out the final three batters after a leadoff walk.
