Rays: 1, Red Sox: 2 - Rays fall in series finale against their Renfrose

Rays were looking to complete the sweep in the last regular-season game against the Rays and the Red Sox, with Josh Lowe making his major league debut in the lineup. Rays would be facing old friend Nathan Eovaldi

The Rays’ first three baserunners came courtesy of Lowe & Lowe Attorneys at Law. Brandon Lowe opened the game in the 1st inning with a leadoff single, and in the 3rd inning, Josh Lowe worked a walk in his first MLB at bat, and then promptly stole second base easily.

But the Rays couldn't score in either inning, and the score would stay tied after 3 innings at 0.

With the first two games being high scoring, this one was of course a pitchers duel though the first 6 innings.

There were a few scattered baserunners here and there, and a fan interference on a Brandon Lowe foul ball in the 5th inning.

But Rays’ starter Shane McClanahan worked around the 3 hits and 1 walk he gave up to put up 0 runs over 5 innings, while striking out 3. For those that are a bit surprised Shane came out after 5 innings and only 68 pitches, Rays are already planning for October baseball and need their young pitcher fresh.

Kittredge and Fairbanks relieved Shane, and combined for 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, and 4 Ks and kept the score at 0-0.

First runs came in the top of the 8th inning when Brandon Lowe singled, bringing up Wander Franco in his last chance to keep his on base streak going. Franco worked a 5 pitch walk, and extended his on base streak to 38 games.

Nelson Cruz singled home Brandon Lowe for the first run of the game and to give the Rays a slim 1-0 lead.

Matt Wisler came on in the bottom of the 8th inning to help preserve the 1 run lead, but after giving up a single to Alex Verdugo, Wisler came out with an apparent injury, and was replaced by J.T. Chargois.

J.T. induced a force out from Kyle Schwarber, and a lineout from Kike Hernandez got the Rays to two outs and former Ray Hunter Renfroe at the plate.

Hunter destroys a baseball for a 2-run HR and give the Red Sox a 2-1 lead going into the 9th inning.

Rays started the to of the 9th inning with two strikeouts from Manuel Margot and Ji-Man Choi, and were down to their final batter in Joey Wendle. Wendle doubled to center field, and upon seeing a misplay by Red Sox CF Danny Santana, tried to stretch it to third base.

Unfortunately, the person who picked up the ball was not Danny Santana. It was Hunter Renfroe.

An absolute perfect throw by Hunter Renfroe nails Joey at third and ends the game.

Rays leave Boston taking 2 out of 3 in this series and head to Detroit with a 9.0 game lead in the AL East.

Three great things from this game:

• Wander Franco’s on base streak extended to 38 games
• Pete Fairbanks was firing absolute gas in the 7th inning, and looked sharp in his latest outing.
• Brandon Lowe looked really comfortable leading off, going 2 for 3 with a walk.

Rays are off tomorrow, their next game is on Friday September 10th at 7:10 PM.