The Boston Red Sox rallied from a two run deficit in the ninth inning and grabbed a 3-2 win in 12 innings over the Tampa Bay Rays in the Red Sox 2018 home opener at Fenway Park.
Xander Bogaerts smashed the game tying hit in the ninth inning. Hanley Ramirez hit one to the right field warning track in the bottom of the 12th inning as Jackie Bradley JR scored on the long single.
David Price pitched seven scoreless innings. Price allowed three hits and three walks, while striking out five. Carson Smith allowed two runs in the 8th inning.
The Rays held that 2-0 lead until the bottom of the ninth inning. They brought in their closer Alex Colome. The Red Sox appeared happy to see Colome. Mookie Betts led off with a single, Andrew Benintendi followed with a walk, Ramirez singled home Betts. Bogaerts hit scored Benintendi. Eduardo Nunez singled to load the bases. The Red Sox had a chance to win it in the ninth but Bradley JR was called out on a close play at first.
Hector Velazquez, Craig Kimbrel, Bobby Poyner combined to pitch four innings of scoreless relief. Poyner (1-0) pitched two innings to earn the win.
The Red Sox have won six straight games. The teams will play game two of the series on Saturday afternoon with Rick Porcello pitching for the Red Sox. It was announced after the game that Eduardo Rodriguez will be activated and start on Sunday.
