Rays 1, Red Sox 0: James Shields scattered four hits in 8 1/3 innings and Evan Longoria's bases-loaded walk in the seventh proved to be enough as visiting Tampa Bay salvaged the finale of a four-game set on Patriots' Day.
The Rays snapped their four-game losing skid by taking advantage of seven free passes by Daniel Bard (0-2) - including three with two outs in the seventh inning. Longoria forced in a run after walking on four pitches that were well outside the strike zone.
While Bard had control problems during his second career start, Shields (2-0) had no such issue. He struck out five and walked two to improve to 2-9 in his career at Fenway Park.
Fernando Rodney relieved Shields and stranded Dustin Pedroia at second base to preserve his fourth save.
Desmond Jennings had two hits and reached base three times for the Rays, who were outscored by a 31-11 margin during the first three games of the series.
Bard allowed just one run on four hits and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings.
Cody Ross had two singles and Adrian Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to four games with a long single off the Green Monster for Boston.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Joe Maddon recorded his 500th managerial victory ... Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine apologized to Kevin Youkilis, one day after questioning the commitment of the veteran third baseman during a television interview. Youkilis was kept out of the lineup on Monday to rest his sore groin. ... Boston will host the Texas Rangers to begin a three-game set on Tuesday, while Tampa Bay travels to Toronto to face the Blue Jays for a three-game series. ... The Red Sox were attempting to sweep the Rays in a four-game series for the first time since May 25-28, 2006.
Tampa Bay | Boston | |
James Shields | Player | Daniel Bard |
Win | W/L | Loss |
8.1 | IP | 6.2 |
5 | Strikeouts | 7 |
4 | Hits | 4 |
0.00 | ERA | 1.35 |
Tampa Bay | Boston | |
Desmond Jennings | Player | Cody Ross |
2 | Hits | 2 |
0 | RBI | 0 |
0 | HR | 0 |
3 | TB | 2 |
.500 | Avg | .500 |