Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays
TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Boston Red Sox will look to complete a three-game series sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon at George Steinbrenner Field.
The Red Sox (84-70) have taken the first two games of the set, including an 11-7 victory on Friday and a 2-1 win on Saturday. Boston has dominated the season series, winning 10 of the last 11 meetings between the AL East rivals. The Rays’ only win in that stretch was a 10-8, 11-inning victory in Boston back on June 9.
Boston enters the finale having won four of its last six games as it clings to faint playoff hopes. The Rays (75-79), meanwhile, were officially eliminated from postseason contention with their loss on Saturday and have dropped seven of their last 10.
Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-3 victory for the Red Sox in the series finale.
In Friday’s offensive outburst, center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela led the charge for Boston, going 4 for 5 with an RBI. Left fielder Jarren Duran added a two-run home run. For the Rays, designated hitter Yandy Díaz was 3 for 4 with a home run and center fielder Everson Pereira drove in four runs despite going just 1 for 5, thanks to a grand slam.
Following Sunday’s contest, both teams embark on their final road trips of the regular season. The Red Sox travel to Toronto for a three-game series with the Blue Jays starting Tuesday. The Rays will also hit the road, beginning a three-game set in Baltimore on Tuesday before closing the year with three games in Toronto.
First pitch on Sunday is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. EDT.