Yandy Díaz broke the tie in the sixth inning with a two-run single, helping the Tampa Bay Rays secure a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.
Taj Bradley, making his second start in the major leagues this year, pitched well for five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six.
“I felt pretty good,” Bradley said. “Although I didn’t have my best fastball command, I’m glad I managed to get through those five innings.” Kevin Kelly closed the game with two strikeouts in a flawless ninth inning, earning his second career save and first of the season.
Boston’s Wilyer Abreu and Rafael Devers both hit home runs. Tanner Houck, the Red Sox pitcher, gave up three runs, one of which was unearned, and five hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven batters but also issued three walks.
Houck threw a career-high 112 pitches, the most by a Red Sox starter since Nick Pivetta’s 112-pitch shutout against Houston on May 18, 2022.
“I issued too many walks and fell behind in too many counts, which led to a higher pitch count and more runners on base,” Houck said. “Between the three walks and hitting a batter, there were too many free passes from my end.”
Richie Palacios and José Caballero both hit singles off Houck in the sixth inning. After Ben Rortvedt struck out, Houck was replaced by Greg Weissert, a right-handed pitcher. Jose Siri then tied the game with a single before Díaz’s hit gave Tampa Bay a 4-2 lead.
“We stayed focused during some tough at-bats, especially Yandy’s,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “Weissert is a tough pitcher, effective against both right-handed and left-handed batters, and he’s been having a great season so far. So, we’re pleased that Yandy managed to connect with a breaking ball and give us a two-run lead.”
Devers hit his fifth home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning.
