The Boston Red Sox fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 on Friday night, with right-hander Taj Bradley leading the way for the Rays with a strong six-inning, scoreless outing. Josh Lowe’s RBI double in the seventh inning ultimately secured the win for Tampa Bay. Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta also pitched well, going 6 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs on four hits.
Despite a late-game rally by the Red Sox, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Nick Sogard, they were unable to overcome the Rays’ lead. The loss was especially emotional for Pivetta, who may be playing his final games with the Red Sox as he approaches free agency. Manager Alex Cora praised Pivetta’s performance, calling it excellent despite the outcome.
The Rays’ bullpen struggled in the bottom of the seventh, allowing the Red Sox to score a run before reliever Edwin Uceta shut them down in the ninth for his fifth save of the season. Lowe’s offensive contributions, along with Bradley’s impressive pitching, ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.
The Red Sox will look to bounce back in their next game, with Kutter Crawford scheduled to start on the mound against Tampa Bay’s Shane Baez. As the season winds down, both teams are looking to finish strong and potentially secure a postseason berth.
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