With the Red Sox mired in last place and going nowhere this season, many fans might've preferred to see a loss on Sunday to strengthen their bid for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft, but it wasn't to be.
Behind home runs from Christian Vazquez and Christian Arroyo, the Sox rallied past the Rays for a 6-3 win in their series finale at Tropicana Field Sunday afternoon.
Boston also got strong starting pitching from Martin Perez (2 ER in 5 IP) and four shutout innings of work from the bullpen as the Sox improved to 3-7 vs. the Rays this season.
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The winning run scored on a fifth-inning groundout from J.D. Martinez, who also saw an 0-for-22 streak end with an infield single. Martinez is now batting .205 this season.
FINAL SCORE: Red Sox 6, Rays 3
Red Sox Record: 17-31
HIGHLIGHTS
Two batters into the game, Christian Vazquez gives the Red Sox a 2-0 lead
Mike Brosseau gets the Rays on the board
In the 4th, Tampa's Kevan Smith becomes the second catcher in the game to hit a two-run HR
Sox get 2 in the 5th to reclaim the lead on a J.D. Martinez groundout
Christian Arroyo hits a two-run HR for the second straight game to put the Sox up 6-3
Matt Barnes closes it out in the 9th
UP NEXT
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Marlins, 6:40 p.m. ET
Boston Red Sox
Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Marlins, 6:40 p.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 17 at Marlins, 1:10 p.m. ET