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Top Handicapper 
Rays Look to Keep the Upper Hand Against the Red Sox in Series Opener
The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up to face the Boston Red Sox on Monday evening, marking their 11th straight game against a fellow American League East team. This three-game series in St. Petersburg, Florida, is set to be a continuation of their recent intense matchups.
Recent Performance and Matchup History
The Rays have been on a roll against their AL East rivals, boasting a 6-4 record against the New York Yankees, Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays over their last 10 games. Specifically, Tampa Bay has dominated Boston with a 57-31 record since 2019. However, the Red Sox did manage to snatch a crucial victory in the 2021 AL Division Series by winning three out of four games.
In their recent series against Boston, the Rays secured a win despite a significant oversight. With two outs and Jason Adam trying to close the game, a mistake with mound visits led to Adam’s removal. Erasmo Ramirez stepped in to save the game and avoid further embarrassment.
“It was totally my fault. I lost track of the mound visits,” admitted Rays’ manager Kevin Cash. “I messed up, and I’m just glad it didn’t cost us the game.”
Roster Moves and Injury Updates
The Rays have been busy tweaking their bullpen. With left-handed reliever Colin Poche on the injured list, they traded for southpaw Richard Lovelady, known for his effectiveness against left-handed hitters. Garrett Cleavinger remains the only other lefty in their bullpen, making Lovelady’s addition crucial.
Recent Game Results
The Rays wrapped up their recent seven-game road trip with a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays, their first defeat in five games. Isaac Paredes’ ninth-inning home run kept them from being shut out for the second time this season.
“We’re on a roll,” said catcher Ben Rortvedt. “We didn’t finish the road trip like we wanted, but we’re feeling good.”
On the flip side, the Red Sox snapped a four-game losing streak with an 11-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Nick Pivetta delivered six strong innings, and homers from Tyler O’Neill and Rafael Devers sealed the victory.
Pitching Matchup
Monday’s game will see Tanner Houck (Red Sox) facing off against Taj Bradley (Rays). Despite a solid 3.15 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, Houck has been unlucky against the Rays, holding a 0-4 record with a 5.91 ERA in six career appearances.
Bradley, with a 2.45 ERA this season, performed well in their last encounter, securing a win with five innings of two-run ball. His career record against the Red Sox is 3-0 with a 4.20 ERA, making him a tough opponent.
Strategic Adjustments and Team Dynamics
The Rays’ management has shown adaptability by addressing bullpen gaps and making key mid-season acquisitions. This proactive approach is crucial for staying competitive in the tight AL East race.
Individual performances also add depth to this matchup. Devers’ consistent home runs and Houck’s strong but unlucky outings against the Rays add interesting layers to the game.
Conclusion
The series opener between the Rays and the Red Sox promises to be a captivating clash. Both teams bring their recent experiences and strategic adjustments to the field, ensuring a high-stakes game. The Rays aim to extend their dominance, while the Red Sox are eager to turn the tide in their favor.
