Suffolk

Red Sox vs. Rays lineups for September 28, 2024

Caradoc Wyn September 29, 2024

Playing solely on pride as they sputtered after the All-Star break, the Red Sox were able to lift their spirits early in the offseason.

The Red Sox must win the final two games of their season to finish with a winning record, which would be the team’s first since 2021.

Rays starter Taj Bradley hurled a bead in the series opener and pitched six shutout innings as the Red Sox hitters fell silent in a 2-1 loss. Josh Lowe made the difference by hitting an RBI double and later scoring as the Rays chased Nick Pivetta in the seventh inning. Pivetta is expected to enter free agency at the end of the season.

The Red Sox have a one-game lead over Tampa Bay and are aiming for third place in the American League East. A win in the last two games would secure third place.

Lineups

RAYS (79-81): TBA

Pitching: RHP Shane Baz (3-3, 3.07 ERA)

RED SOX (80-80): TBA

Pitching: RHP Kutter Crawford (9-15, 4.17 ERA)

Time: 4:10 p.m

TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7

Rays vs. Crawford: Jonathan Aranda 3-4, José Caballero 2-3, Dylan Carlson 1-2, Yandy Díaz 4-12, Brandon Lowe 1-6, Josh Lowe 1-14, Christopher Morel 1-6, Richie Palacios 1-3, Ben Rortvedt 0-2, Jose Siri 1-3, Taylor Walls 1-5

Red Sox vs. Baz: Wilyer Abreu 1-2, Triston Casas 1-2, Jarren Duran 0-3, Tyler O’Neill 0-3, Ceddanne Rafaela 0-2, Trevor Story 0-2, Connor Wong 0-3, Masataka Yoshida 0-3

Statistics of the day: Cutter Crawford is 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against Tampa Bay.

Notes: The Red Sox (80-80) have lost twice since a four-game winning streak and are 10-10 in their last 20 games. They need to win the last two to finish the season above the .500 mark. … Boston right-hander Kutter Crawford (9-15, 4.17 ERA) will look to end his season with two straight wins after his longest outing of his career in last Sunday’s doubleheader against Minnesota. He struck out seven in 7 2/3 innings en route to a 9-3 victory and his first victory since August 13. … The Red Sox will be without closer Kenley Jansen this weekend. Like third baseman Rafael Devers, he struggled with shoulder problems this month and was placed on the injured list.

Cam Kerry can be reached at [email protected].