Red Sox at Rays
One day after the bullpen failed to protect a four-run lead, Boston's relievers were nearly perfect in slamming the door on the Tampa Bay Rays to get David Price a win against his former team. The American League East rivals clash yet again Saturday when the Red Sox visit the Rays in the third of a four-game series.
Chris Sale yielded one hit and struck out nine over six innings before departing with a 4-0 lead Thursday but watched helplessly as Tampa Bay wasted the effort with a six-run rally, doing all of its damage in the eighth inning off Joe Kelly and Carson Kelly. Matt Barnes and Craig Kimbrel were up to the task Friday, however, allowing only a walk while fanning four over the final two innings of a 1-0 victory in support of Price's seven-inning gem. Rick Porcello hopes to be the next starting pitcher in line to baffle the Rays, who have mustered only four hits in each of their first two contests. Denard Span is one of two Tampa Bay hitters to reach base safely in both games, delivering a go-ahead, three-run triple Thursday before drawing a pinch-hit walk in his only plate appearance Friday.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (2017: 11-17, 4.65 ERA) vs. Rays RH Andrew Kittredge (NR)
Porcello fell back to earth last season after his surprising 2016 AL Cy Young Award campaign as his ERA increased by 1.5 runs and his WHIP jumped from 1.01 to 1.40 en route to a major-league leading 17 losses. The New Jersey native wasn't much sharper in exhibition play this spring, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.50 ERA in four turns while allowing opponents to bat .308. Porcello faced Tampa Bay more than any other opponent in 2017, going 2-4 with 3.93 ERA in six starts.
As part of the Rays' plan to use a four-man rotation this season, Tampa Bay will make Saturday a "bullpen day" and turn initially to Kittredge, who will be making his first big-league start after 15 relief appearances last season. The 28-year-old pitched in eight games during the spring, struggling in his first turn before blanking the New York Yankees over 2 2/3 innings last weekend. Kittredge did not surrender a run in two frames against the Red Sox last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is 5-for-8 with four doubles and three runs scored over the first two games.
2. Tampa Bay batters have struck out 20 times in this series.
3. Kimbrel has given up one walk and no runs while fanning 26 in his last 10 appearances against the Rays.