Longballs Hurt Dice-K

The Red Sox and Rays wrapped up a three game series in Boston today. Tampa hit three home runs off of Daisuke Matsuzaka, one in each of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4thinnings. A two run shot coupled with two solo shots turned out to be all the Rays needed offensively, winning 4-3.

Matt Garza pitched well for the Rays, going seven innings while giving up just one run on an RBI triple for Jason Bay. He exited with the lead, which the bullpen held in the final two innings.

The Rays entered the bottom of the 8th with a three run lead before a two out RBI double by Mike Lowell brought the Sox within two runs. In the 9th Jason Varitek got his second home run (and hit) of the season that just cleared the bullpen wall and Ben Zobrist’s glove. After a Jacoby Ellsbury flyout and a nice pick and throw of a Dustin Pedroia line drive, David Ortiz drew a walk, putting the tying run on board. Kevin Youkillis then popped out to former Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler in center to end the game.

The Sox head west for two three-game series against the Angels and Athletics starting tomorrow. Tim Wakefield will get the ball for the first time this year and George Kottares will get his first start of the season. Jered Weaver gets the ball for Anaheim.

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