The Tampa Bay Rays managed to scrape together a pretty good pitching game Saturday.
The hitting? Not so much.
The Rays dropped a 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox, falling back to even on the season. The Rays were forced to piece together the efforts of five pitchers after starter Jake Odorizzi left in the second inning with a tight hamstring.
Boston’s Chris Sale, meanwhile, was dominant. He struck out 12 in seven innings and allowed only three hits in getting the win.
The Red Sox scored the winning run in the seventh when they loaded the bases with two singles and a walk off of Tommy Hunter. Xavier Cedeno came in and got a ground ball, but it was slow off the bat and rookie Daniel Robertson had to go to first.
“I loved the efficiency,” said Rays’ manager Kevin Cash. “When you lose your pitcher in the second inning, our bullpen had to be efficient and lengthen themselves out. I was impressed with their performances.”
Odorizzi will go on the 10-day disabled list. His roster spot will be taken by Chase Whitley.
Mitch Moreland hit a home in the second for Boston. Evan Longoria’s single tied it in the third.
The Rays play against the Red Sox today at 1:05 p.m. Alex Cobb pitches against Drew Pomeranz.
