Red Sox Beat Rays 4-2, Closer to Playoffs

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Roman Anthony homered and drove in three runs to power the Boston Red Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. The win significantly boosted Boston's chances of securing an American League playoff spot.

Boston, with a magic number of three entering Friday, could clinch a wild-card spot as early as Saturday, September 20, 2026. The victory positioned the Red Sox strongly as the regular season nears its end.

Anthony hit the game's third pitch from Rays pitcher Ian Seymour (9-7) for a leadoff homer to right field, his third career leadoff blast. He broke a 1-1 tie in the second inning with a two-out single that scored two more runs. Jahmai Jones extended Boston's lead in the third inning with a solo homer, making the score 4-1. Caleb Durbin added two hits for the Red Sox, who now hold the American League's third-best record at 84-70, trailing only the Rays and Yankees.

Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez (8-4) pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run. He walked five and struck out five. Suarez also made a key defensive play in the fourth inning, catching a 100 mph liner from Taylor Walls before completing an inning-ending double play.

The postseason-bound Rays, who had won six consecutive games before Friday, struggled to capitalize on scoring chances. Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda drove in runs for Tampa Bay. The Rays left the bases loaded in the sixth and ninth innings and went 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Boston left-hander Erik Miller earned his fifth save. He retired Chandler Simpson on a grounder to end the game despite a ninth inning that included three wild pitches and two walks.

Tampa Bay RHP Freddy Peralta (9-11, 4.67 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Rays on Saturday, September 20, 2026. Boston had not announced its starting pitcher.