Red Sox Extend Winning Streak to 12 Games With Rally Past Rays

Wilyer Abreu powered the Boston Red Sox to a 7-6 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, launching two home runs including a go-ahead two-run blast in the seventh inning that extended Boston’s winning streak to 12 games. The explosive performance marked Abreu’s fourth homer in just two games after he also hit twice in Friday’s doubleheader sweep.

Trailing 6-3 entering the seventh, the Red Sox mounted a four-run rally that proved decisive. Abreu’s two-run shot off Garrett Cleavinger (2-3) highlighted the inning, with Ceddanne Rafaela contributing an RBI double and Masataka Yoshida adding a run-scoring ground out.

Ryan Watson (1-0) earned his first major league victory with two innings of relief work, while closer Aroldis Chapman recorded his 21st save by retiring the final three batters.

Tampa Bay had taken a 6-3 advantage on the strength of Victor Mesa Jr.’s two-run homer into the bullpen and Jonny DeLuca’s solo shot over the Green Monster. The Rays opened the game with a 3-0 advantage before Boston chipped away.

Boston starter Patrick Sandoval, making only his second appearance following Tommy John surgery, surrendered five runs across five innings. Ian Seymour lasted just three innings for Tampa Bay, allowing three runs and two homers.

The teams conclude their series Sunday with Shane McClanahan (8-5, 2.83 ERA) starting for the Rays against Sonny Gray (11-1, 2.54 ERA) of the Red Sox.