The Red Sox, desperate to turn the page after being shutout on Thursday, grabbed an early 2-0 lead before experiencing a grim shock as Chris Sale was torched for five runs before he recorded a second out. And then the unexpected happened.
Sixteen of the next 17 Rays (and 21 of 23) were retired, thanks mainly to Tanner Houck, and Boston's bats finally were delivered to the Trop. Over the next eight innings, the Red Sox bashed sixteen hits, including five home runs, outscoring the defending AL champions 12-1. Evening up the series at one game apiece made the flight to Boston much more pleasant.