Red Sox Beat Tampa Bay 9-8 Snapping 4-Game Losing Streak [VIDEO]

The Boston Red Sox snapped a 4-game losing streak beating the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night, August 27th 9-8. The Red Sox were leading 9-4 before the Rays scored 4 runs in the top of the 8th inning, but hung on to win.

Michael Wacha wasn't particularly sharp but picked up the win and is 9-1 on the season. He went 6.0 innings, allowing 5 hits and 4 runs, striking out 6 and hitting 2 batters.

Matt Strahm pitched the 7th inning, allowing 1 hit and striking out 1.

Ryan Brasier couldn't record an out in the 8th inning and allowed 3 hits and 4 runs, including a 3-run homer to Jose Siri.

Matt Barnes came on in the 8th and retired all 3 batters he faced, striking out 2.

Garrett Whitlock pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning, to pick up his 6th save of the season and preserve the win.

Xander Bogaerts was 2-5 and hit a 3-run homer in the 6th inning.

Alex Verdugo was 2-4 and had a triple and double, driving in a run.

Kevin Plawecki was 3-4 with a double, driving in 2 runs.

Kike Hernandez was 3-5 with a run batted in.

Franchy Cordero was 1-2 hitting a solo home run in the 4th inning. He now has 3 homers and 4 runs batted in, in his last 5 games.

Manager Alex Cora on the game. It was Cora's 345th win as a Red Sox manager, tying him with Eddie Kasko for 9th on the all-time win list.

Boston and Tampa Bay will play the middle game of the 3-game series Saturday afternoon. The pregame starts at 3:10 p.m. with the 1st pitch at 4:10 on AM 1370 WDEA.