Perhaps it is time to call for Paula Abdul out of the bullpen again.
Much was made of the kiss to the cheek that fueled Tampa Bay Rays’ reliever Steve Geltz to his team-record setting relief run. And maybe it was Abdul. Or maybe Geltz was just in a groove. After all, he had nine consecutive scoreless outings until Friday night.
But it all ended against the Boston Red Sox, who combined for three hits and the winning run off Geltz Friday night. Mookie Betts doubled and Brock Holt singled to knock in the winning run. Boston had entered the game with the worst record in the American League.
The Rays fell behind 3-1, but forced extra innings when David DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly to score Joey Butler and Evan Longoria scored on a wild pitch.
Tampa Bay had a chance to score in the bottom of the ninth when Asdrubal Cabrera doubled and Jake Elmore was walked intentionally. Catcher Curt Casali struck out, however, after failing to get a sacrifice bunt down. Joe Butler lined out to right to end the inning.
It was the second straight extra inning loss for Tampa Bay.
In today’s 4:10 p.m. game, the Rays’ Matt Andriese pitches against Wade Miley.
