Former Red Sox pitcher Zack Littell had a career-defining performance against his old team, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 2-0 victory. Littell dominated the Red Sox lineup, allowing only one hit over seven shutout innings. The Rays scratched out two runs to support Littell’s gem, taking advantage of a Red Sox error to score both runs.
Despite a solid outing from Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello, the offense was unable to get anything going against Littell and the Rays’ bullpen. The loss marked the Red Sox’s seventh shutout of the season, highlighting the team’s offensive struggles. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the team’s lack of execution and noted the decline in offensive production.
Littell’s success with the Rays has been a surprise, as he has emerged as one of their top pitchers after being picked up off waivers from the Red Sox last season. The Rays capitalized on Littell’s strong outing to secure the win and maintain their position in the playoff race. The Red Sox, on the other hand, find themselves in a tough spot, trailing in the Wild Card race with nine games left in the season.
The offensive woes continued for the Red Sox in the series against the Rays, with key players like Rafael Devers struggling at the plate. Cora acknowledged the team’s slump and the challenge they face in turning things around. The Red Sox will need to regroup quickly as they head back to Fenway Park for a crucial series against the Minnesota Twins. Despite the uphill battle, Cora remains optimistic about the team’s chances in the final stretch of the season.
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