Behind a terrific effort from Trevor Story, the Boston Red Sox pulled off a narrow 2-1 win over the Rays on Wednesday night.
The win moved the Red Sox back to the .500 mark at 76-76 while the Rays dropped to 74-78.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Red Sox offense looked lifeless for the first half of the game. But Story refused to let Boston go down silently.
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The veteran shortstop provided a much-needed jolt, not only with his bat but with his legs and sound defense in the middle infield to propel the Red Sox to a win. It's clear that Story, who fought to get back after it looked like his season was over, will continue to fight until the end of the season even with Boston's postseason chances looking bleak.
That's the type of leadership the Red Sox need with now just 10 games remaining in the season. The younger players on the team, and the highly touted prospect in the farm system, should take notice of how Story is still going about his business. It would only serve them well in the future.
Perhaps Story's terrific effort can rally his teammates a little bit and have them at least make this final stretch interesting.
STARS OF THE GAME
-- Story sparked the Red Sox and launched just his second home run of the season in the top of the sixth inning to level the score. Story's solo blast off Pepiot traveled 394 feet into the left-field stands. Story finished 2-for-3 and also stole two bases.
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-- Jarren Duran delivered the game-winning run for the Red Sox by driving in Story in the top of the eighth with a single. It was Duran's only hit in the win.
-- Ryan Pepiot dominated the Red Sox over six innings on the mound. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed only two hits and one walk while striking out a career-high 12 batters. Pepiot even threw an immaculate inning in the fifth.
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ON DECK AT NESN
The Red Sox wrap up a seven-game road trip and conclude their three-game series with the Rays on Thursday. First pitch from Tropicana Field is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET and you can watch complete coverage of the game on NESN.
Featured image via Jonathan Dyer/Imagn Images
