With Michael Wacha scratched for what is being described as “dead arm” the Red Sox sent Austin Davis to the mound as an opener in what turned out to be one of the best collective pitching performances the Sox have had this season. After two scoreless innings from Davis, Cora turned the ball over to Kutter Crawford who was the story of the day. In what was his best outing of the season Crawford threw 5.1 innings yielding only 2 hits and a walk while striking out 8 Rays. Save for a two out throwing error by Crawford to keep the Rays alive in the 3rd, Kutter was nearly untouchable on the day. After Brett Phillips reached on a dropped strike three Crawford gave way to John Schreiber who sat the next five batters down in order for the save.

At the plate Boston was able to push across four runs highlighted by a 4th inning homer into the Sox bullpen from Trevor Story (2-4 HR, RBI) to get scoring started. The offense struck again the next inning after Arroyo doubled and eventually scored on a Devers grounder to second that was misplayed by Paredes. Boston was able to add two more insurance runs in the 8th which was more than enough for Schreiber who has been nails in the late innings for the Sox this season.

All in all a great way to start a very important stretch of 27 games vs teams with winning records. I’d like to see the bats wake up a bit more though. Boston was able to manage 11 hits but squandered some good scoring opportunities including the 2nd when they loaded the bases but were unable to score. They also struggled to score in the final two games in Chicago but, hopefully the 11 hits yesterday were a step in the right direction. They’re definitely going need to heading into a four game series with the Yankees this weekend.

Before we get to the weekend though, Boston will send Nick Pivetta (8-5) to the mound tonight opposite Jeffrey Springs (3-2) in game two of this three game set against the Rays.

Final: Red Sox 4 Rays 0, W: Crawford (2-2) L: Fleming (2-4) S: Schreiber (3)