Sunday, 4 a.m.
In the middle of their latest flameout, this question probably crept into your brain.
Is this a good team on a bad slide in the wrong ballpark against a hot team?
Or is this the beginning of a slide?
The Tampa Bay Rays lost again Saturday, blowing a three-run lead late and falling to Boston, 7-6. It was the 12th straight win for Boston.
It allowed the Yankees to come within 2 1/2 games of the Rays in the AL East. It also allowed Boston to come within seven games.
Boston scored four runs in the seventh inning. Wilyer Abreu hit another two homers (he had two on Friday, as well).
The Rays seemed to be in good shape in the middle innings after solo homers by Victor Mesa Jr. and Jonny DeLuca.
But once again, the bullpen blew up. Garrett Cleavinger, who gave up the second homer to Abreu, took the loss.
DeLuca and Chandler Simpson each had two hits for the Rays.
The Rays made some gaffes in the game. Yandy Diaz was thrown out at the plate. Cole Sulser missed first base while covering on a grounder.
The Rays and Red Sox play again today at 1:35 p.m. at Fenway Park. Shane McClanahan will start for the Rays against Sonny Gray.