Rays' Winning Streak Ends vs. Red Sox; AL East Lead Dwindles

The Tampa Bay Rays saw their six-game winning streak end Friday night with a 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. The defeat trimmed Tampa Bay's lead over the New York Yankees to four games with nine regular-season games remaining.

Boston struck first. Roman Anthony hit a leadoff homer in the first inning, and a two-run single in the second gave the Red Sox a 3-1 lead. Jahmai Jones added a solo home run in the third for a 4-1 advantage.

Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda drove in runs for the Rays, but the offense faltered with runners on base. Tampa Bay left the bases loaded in both the sixth and ninth innings. Erik Miller recorded the final out.

The loss brought Tampa Bay's record to 93-60. The Yankees are 89-64. Boston improved to 84-70 and needs three more wins to clinch a wild-card spot.

Anthony led Boston offensively, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Ranger Suarez pitched 5⅔ innings for the Red Sox, allowing one run.

This loss marks Tampa Bay's first in the series and comes at a critical juncture in the playoff race. The Rays must rebound quickly to maintain control of the division lead.