With offense and defense, Betts helps Red Sox beat up Rays.

The numbers are not there the way they were a year ago and it’s a safe bet that Mookie Betts will not be finishing in the Top 2 when voting for the American League MVP award is tabulated, the way he was a year ago.

But even with some offensive drop-off, there’s no denying Betts’s skill set, or the value he brings to the Red Sox.

Just in case, however, he provided a reminder in the top and bottom of the first inning of the Red Sox’ 9-3 win over Tampa Bay.

First, Betts raced about 60 feet to make an over-the-shoulder catch of a twisting fly ball hit by the Rays’ Lucas Duda, taking away what was surely going to be an extra-base hit.

“I’m out there trying to make pitches,’’ said starter Drew Pomeranz, who allowed just two runs in six innings and won his 15h. “Our defense is out there, making plays behind me. It’s even more of a reason to just make pitches and let them hit it, because if it’s anywhere in the vicinity, our guys are going to make the play.’’

Then, in the bottom of the inning, Betts struck with his bat. With Dustin Pedroia and Andrew Benintendi both aboard, Betts drove a pitch from Tampa Bay starter Chris Archer to right that just reached the seats, inside the foul pole.

“I think I’m getting a little bit better, day-by-day,’’ said Betts of his recent offensive spurt. “But it’s going to take more than me for us to win.’’

It was his first homer in more than a month, and incredibly, the first time he had homered to the opposite field at Fenway in his career.

“I knew I got it pretty good,’’ said Betts. “It wasn’t slicing too much, but I wasn’t sure it was going to make it to the pole. I knew I had it had a chance and I’m glad it made it over. It’s tough to hit ‘em over there, but I was lucky enough to get it.’’

The inning stood as a testament to how Betts can impact the game either at the plate or in the field. And that doesn’t count the basepaths, where his speed and instincts combine to make him the Red Sox’ best overall baserunner.

“Of late, we’re seeing some tremendous defensive plays (from Betts),’’ said John Farrell. “But it’s good to see him starting to carry some consistency at the plate. To hit a slider inside the foul pole down the right field line, that’s not an easy thing to do. But when Mookie is in this kind of offensive spot, he makes such an impact.’’