Red Sox Win 12th Straight as Wilyer Abreu’s Two Homers Sink Rays 7-6

Wilyer Abreu hit two home runs to help the Boston Red Sox overcome a 6-3 deficit and extend their winning streak to 12 games.

Wilyer Abreu launched two home runs, including a decisive two-run shot in the seventh inning, to propel the Boston Red Sox to a 7-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. This result extends the Red Sox winning streak to 12 games, matching the third-longest run in franchise history. Abreu’s go-ahead blast came off reliever Garrett Cleavinger (2-3) and capped a four-run frame that erased a three-run Tampa Bay lead. The outfielder has now recorded four home runs across his last two games, having also homered twice during Friday’s doubleheader sweep.

Trailing 6-3 entering the bottom of the seventh, Boston’s offense ignited with a series of run-scoring plays. Ceddanne Rafaela sparked the comeback with an RBI double, followed by a run-scoring groundout from Masataka Yoshida. Abreu then provided the final blow to put Boston ahead for good. On the mound, Ryan Watson (1-0) earned his first major league victory after pitching two innings of relief. Aroldis Chapman secured the final three outs to record his 21st save of the season.

Tampa Bay’s Mid-Game Surge and Pitching Lines

The Rays initially built their lead through a three-run fourth inning and a solo shot in the seventh. Victor Mesa Jr. hit a home run into the Tampa Bay bullpen to put the Rays ahead after they trailed 3-2. Yandy Diaz contributed an RBI single during that same fourth-inning rally. Later, Jonny DeLuca extended the margin to 6-3 by hitting a home run over the Green Monster.

Starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval made his second appearance for Boston since returning from Tommy John surgery. He surrendered five runs over five innings of work. For the Rays, starter Ian Seymour lasted three innings, allowing three runs and two home runs. This performance followed a previous start where Seymour surrendered a career-high six runs. Tampa Bay’s early 2-0 advantage in the second inning was fueled by a Nick Furias RBI single and a throwing error by second baseman Anthony Seigler that allowed Ryan Vilade to cross the plate.

Historical Context and Franchise Milestones

Boston’s 12th consecutive win marks the first time the club has been over the .500 mark since their season opener against the Reds. According to ESPN Research, the team had spent 95 straight games at or below .500 prior to this victory. The current Red Sox winning streak gives the team an opportunity to reach 13 straight wins for the first time since 1948 during Sunday’s series finale.

Early in the contest, Jahmai Jones tied the game 2-2 with a two-run homer in the bottom of the second. That scoring opportunity was preserved when Andruw Monasterio successfully challenged a 3-2 strike call that would have concluded the inning. Following the win, the Red Sox look to maintain their momentum against the Rays to set a 76-year franchise high. The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of these statistics and game details.