Final: Red Sox 7, Rays 4 - Bregman goes 5-for-5 at the plate in win against Rays

The Boston Red Sox even their series against the Tampa Bay Rays winning 7-4. Boston has been cold at the plate in the past few games, but a massive hitting performance from Alex Bregman became the main catalyst towards the win.

The Red Sox scored six of their seven runs in the first four innings of the game. Bregman got the scoring started in the 1st inning with an RBI single that gave Boston an early 1-0 lead. Jarren Duran hit an opposite field home run for his first of the season in the 2nd inning, and Bregman followed the next inning with a solo opposite field blast of his own.

This wasn't the last of Bregman at the plate. In the 4th inning, Bregman got his third hit of the game with an RBI double that brought home Duran, and then tallied his second home run of the game in the 7th inning which gave the Red Sox their seventh and final run of the game.

On the mound, Walker Buehler had another great start. The righty pitched 5.0 innings allowing 2 earned runs, 3 hits and 3 walks keeping the lead for the Red Sox the entire way. Justin Wilson and Zack Kelly made appearances out of the bullpen, and both arms combined for three innings of scoreless baseball against Tampa Bay.

With Kelly on the mound looking to finish the game, the Rays added 2 runs to their score, and Aroldis Chapman came in to finish the game sealing the victory for the Red Sox.

This game proved why Bregman is such a special player for the Red Sox. Boston's third baseman recorded his first 5-5 batting game in his career, and it came in a game where the Red Sox needed offense. Trevor Story also had a notable game recording multiple singles. While fans would like to see Story get more extra base hits, it's a good sign to see Story healthy and getting on base at a consistent rate. After yesterday's disappointing loss, it's happy to see this team bounce back with a fun win.

The Red Sox will wrap up their series against the Rays tomorrow at 7:05. Boston has yet to name a starting pitcher for the game.

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WHO: Red Sox (8-10) vs Rays (8-8)
WHEN: 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: George Steinbrenner Field, Tampa Bay
SERIES TO DATE: (0-1), (0-1)
STARTING PITCHERS: RHP Walker Buehler 1-1, 5.74 ERA vs. RHP Ryan Pepiot 1-1, 3.38 ERA,
TV/RADIO: NESN, MLB Network, WEEI-FM 93.7

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Jarren Duran (L) LF
Rafael Devers (L) DH
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
Trevor Story (R) SS
Kristian Campbell (R) 2B
Triston Casas (L) 1B
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF
Carlos Narváez (R) C

SP Walker Buehler

RAYS

Yandy Díaz (R) DH
Brandon Lowe (L) 2B
Junior Caminero (R) 3B
Jonathan Aranda (L) 1B
Christopher Morel (R) LF
Kameron Misner (L) CF
Jake Mangum (S) RF
Taylor Walls (S) SS
Ben Rortvedt (L) C

SP Ryan Pepiot

WHAT'S UP

The Red Sox look to even up their series against the Tampa Bay Rays after a rough 16-1 loss in yesterday's game.

Manager Alex Cora moved Triston Casas down one more spot in the order to seventh. Casas made his first 12 starts in the cleanup spot this year before hitting in the sixth spot his past two games.

Tanner Houck currently has a 9.16 ERA on the season after yesterday's start against the Rays.