Hector Velesquez (7-2) was roughed up as the Boston Red Sox fell 10-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a three game series at Tropicana field on Friday night.
The Rays took a 3-0 lead in the second inning. The Red Sox responded with two runs in the top of the third inning thanks to a two run single from Xander Bogaerts. The Rays took a commanding 8-2 advantage when they put five runs up in the bottom of the third inning.
Velesquez allowed eight runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out four in 2.2 innings. The Red Sox pounded out 13 hits but they were all singles. Bogaerts and JD Martinez each had three hits.
Former Red Sox prospect Jalen Beeks (3-1) allowed three runs in 5.1 innings of relief to pick up his second win against the Red Sox in the last week.
Rick Porcello will take the ball for the 90-40 Red Sox in game two of the series on Saturday night at 6:10. The Rays are 68-61 and have won six straight games.
