Moreland’s 2-run single leads Red Sox over Rays 7-5

The Red Sox also paused to mark four years since the Boston Marathon bombing.

But rather than making Boston pay for a fielding mistake like the Red Sox did to Tampa Bay in the pivotal second inning, a familiar nemesis took the sting out of the Rays’ attack.

The former Chicago White Sox ace tossed seven innings and gave up just three hits on his way to his first win since his blockbuster trade to Boston. The Red Sox are also 7-3 in their last 10 Monday games, and 6-1 in Wright’s last seven starts versus the AL East. This time, though, the result was in their favor. The Sox had already left for a series with the Indians. The Rays would have runners in scoring position in the 3rd, 6th and 7th inning, but only were able to bring across 1 run off a Souza single to score Beckham. Sandoval has driven in nine runs so far this season.

Snell walked Dustin Pedroia to load the bases, then allowed a single to Andrew Benintendi that scored two runs, and another to Mookie Betts that plated another.

Without David Ortiz’s presence in the lineup, the Red Sox are counting on Moreland be produce a microcosm of what “Big Papi” did last season in his final season with Boston. It seems, despite only six hits in Saturday’s victory, the team is getting some of that continuity back over the past week. While there are a number of games left, it still stinks to be the team that is fighting all season to get back in the playoff race.

“I think any pitcher goes in and out of it as the year goes on”, Kimbrel said.

Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison made a nice over-the-shoulder grab on a foul pop near the seats for the first out of the fifth and closed the inning by catching one down the third base line close to the stands.

Dodgers 8, D’backs 4: Yasiel Puig hit a three-run homer and drove in four.

Pomeranz did look encouraging in striking out ten of the possible 13 outs he was responsible for. “I’m going to come out here and try to do everything to help the team win”.

Farrell thought the injury that led to Tampa starter Jake Odorizzi leaving the game in the second inning and the subsequent delay may have hurt Sale. That allowed Mitch Moreland – who opened the inning with his third hit of game, a single off loser Tommy Hunter (0-1) – to score.

Craig Kimbrel entered the game in the top of the ninth, attempting to notch his fourth save of the season.

-Boston will finish up their series with Tampa Bay with a Monday morning, Patriots Day game.

In case you haven’t heard, the Red Sox are quite popular in Boston, especially on gameday in the neighborhood that surrounds historic Fenway Park. While Rick Porcello has started as impressively as he did a year ago, the reigning CY Young victor may have trouble keeping the award against his new teammate this season.