The Red Sox earned an important victory in Game 1 of the ALDS at Fenway Park on Friday. Boston’s bats exploded for eight runs against Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore and four more against the Rays bullpen in a decisive 12-2 win.
Moore started his first career playoff game with three scoreless innings, but a defensive mistake by Rays right fielder Wil Myers allowed the Red Sox to take control of the contest in the fourth inning. Myers misplayed a fly ball off the bat of David Ortiz at the warning track, and it bounced over the wall for a ground-rule double. The Sox proceeded to score five runs after Myers’ mishap.
Boston’s offense then scored three runs in the fifth inning and four more in the eighth to earn a 12-2 victory. Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester gave a brilliant performance, allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out seven over 7 2/3 innings.
Game 2 is Saturday at 5:37 p.m. ET at Fenway Park.
