Red Sox Fall to Rays in Opener 5-1

The Boston Red Sox snoozed their way through Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, as they were limited to just 4 hits, and fell 5-1 in the start of the 4 game series with the Rays.

Xander Bogaerts had 2 of the Red Sox hits, and Andrew Benintendi had a double. Jackie Bradley Jr. had the Red Sox other hit.

Rick Porcello went 6 innings, allowing 8 hits and 4 runs, all earned. He struck out 4 and walked 1. Josh Taylor pitched a scoreless 7th. Mike Shawaryn made his major league debut, pitching the 8th and 9th. He struck out 4 and allowed 1 hit, a homer to Kevin Kiermaier in the 9th.

The Red Sox did  have a chance to get back in the game in the 6th inning, as they had the bases loaded with 1 out, but Andrew Benintendi struck out looking and Rafael Devers struck out swinging.

Mitch Moreland, who just returned from the injured list, left the game with a tight quad.

The Red Sox missed an opportunity to gain a game on the Yankees, who lost to Cleveland 5-2. The Red Sox are now 33-30, 6.5 games behind the Yankees. The Red Sox will play a day/night doubleheader against the Rays on Saturday. The pregames begin at 12:05 and 5:10. Hear the games on AM 1370 WDEA in the Ellsworth and Bar Harbor area and The Rock 101.9 FM, WOZI in Presque Isle