|
 The left fielder had the hot hand in Tampa Bay's three-game series
in Boston, capping off the set with his two-run, bases-loaded single
to right field off Boston left-hander Justin Masterson in the top of
the fifth inning to lead the Rays to a 5-3 win in the finale at
Fenway Park.
"I was able to get a hit right when we needed it," Butler said.
This was Butler's first full series with the Rays after being called
up from Triple-A Durham on Sunday. He started all three games in
Boston, hitting a home run and driving in four.
"It was huge," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said about Butler's bat.
"A bunch of hits, some RBIs. Joey gives a really good at-bat."
Butler was brought to the big leagues as a replacement for injured
center fielder Desmond Jennings, but he's been much more than just a
placeholder in the outfield.
That hasn't been much of a surprise to anybody, either.
"(I'm) not really surprised," Butler said of his offensive heroics.
"(I'm) thankful, grateful."
"No, he hasn't (surprised us)," said Cash. "I played with him my
last year playing. We were in Triple-A and the guy raked. He's kind
of continued to do so ever since then."
Tampa Bay (15-13) claimed a series victory with a pair of wins,
outscoring Boston 9-5. It was the fifth loss in six games for the
Red Sox (13-15), who have dropped their last two series.
Alex Colome (2-0) turned in a solid outing in his first career start
against Boston, as the Tampa Bay right-hander allowed only two
earned runs on four hits and struck out four in five innings.
Brad Boxberger silenced the Red Sox in the ninth, picking up his
seventh save. The Rays right-hander hasn't allowed a run in his last
six appearances in 2015 and has held Boston scoreless three times
out of the bullpen this season.
Evan Longoria, who had his 1,000th career hit Monday, blasted a pair
of solo home runs in the game, including a ninth-inning shot that
cleared the Green Monster to give the third baseman his third long
ball of the year and seal the victory.
Masterson (2-1) suffered his first loss of the year. He was chased
after 4 1/3 innings, walking six and surrendering all four earned
runs on seven hits for the Red Sox.
"The first three innings were great," said Masterson, who loaded the
bases in the fourth and fifth innings and paid the price on Butler's
decisive hit. "The fourth I got through it. The fifth, I tried to
fix through it, but couldn't make the adjustment."
Boston threatened a late comeback after center fielder Mookie Betts
hit a solo home run to left, his third of the series and fifth on
the season, on a 2-0 fastball in the eighth inning to make it a 4-3
game. Later that inning, the Red Sox loaded the bases with only one
out.
[to top of second column] |
Daniel Nava, pinch-hitting for left fielder Allen Craig, grounded
into a fielder's choice at first and right fielder Brock Holt
followed suit with a groundout to first to crush the rally.
With a runner on second and nobody out in the ninth, Boston's rookie
catcher Blake Swihart popped out to the catcher. Betts walked after
teasing the fans with a couple of rockets into foul territory to put
runners on first and second.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia struck out swinging for the second
out. Newly acquired infielder Luis Jimenez, who entered the game as
a pinch runner for designated hitter David Ortiz, sent a dribbler
out in front of the catcher to record the game's final out.
The Red Sox were 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position in the
series.
"It's been a mixed bag with the end result," Red Sox manager John
Farrell said. "The bottom line is missed opportunities. I think
we've done a good job of creating opportunities, but we haven't been
able to cash in."
NOTES: Wednesday was the 100th anniversary of former Red Sox pitcher
Babe Ruth's first home run. Ruth's granddaughter, Linda Ruth
Tosetti, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park. ...
Tampa Bay RHP Alex Colome improved to 4-0 in five career starts on
the road. ... Rays LHP Jake McGee (elbow) made his third rehab
appearance Tuesday, striking out one in one scoreless inning for
Triple-A Durham. He will pitch again Friday. ... Red Sox rookie C
Blake Swihart recorded his first career RBI on his first big-league
extra-base hit, a double to left-center field in the third inning.
... LF Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) remained out of Boston's lineup for
the second consecutive game. ... Tampa Bay opens an eight-game
homestand Thursday against Texas. Boston heads out for a 10-game
trip that starts Friday in Toronto.
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
