The Tampa Bay Rays have entered the start of the new week with a commanding six-game lead in the division over the New York Yankees. Coming into Monday night´s game against the Boston Red Sox, the Rays had won seven straight games and had won 11 of their last 12 games. Arguably the hottest team in the league, the Rays now extended that win streak to eight games.
Recap
Rays starter Luis Patiño had his best start as a member of the Rays. Patiño went 5.2 innings while only allowing one hit and striking out five along the way. The bullpen for the Rays was also magnificent. Relievers JP Feyereisen and Pete Fairbanks combined for five strikeouts in only two innings of work. To finish the game, LHP Adam Conley pitched a three-up, three-down inning to secure the victory for the Rays.
The Rays offense started off hot as leadoff hitter Brandon Lowe went deep on the first pitch of the game. It was Lowe´s 31st homer on the season. On a historic note, Rays Shortstop sensation, Wander Franco, has extended his on-base streak to 30 games. He now trails Mickey Mantle by six games for the longest on-base streak for a player 21-years-old or younger.
The Rays are now 83-48, while the Red Sox fall to a record of 75-58.
Next Up
Looking ahead, the Rays will turn to starters Drew Rasmussen (1–1, 3.46 ERA) and Shane McClanahan (9–4, 3.59 ERA) on Wednesday and Thursday. The Red Sox will counter with Chris Sale (3–0, 2.35 ERA) and Eduardo Rodriguez (10–7, 5.12 ERA).