Tampa Bay Rays Aim for Series Sweep; Boston Red Sox Seek .500 Record
Rays Seek Sweep; Red Sox Target .500 Finish in Sunday Showdown
As the 2024 MLB season wraps up, the Tampa Bay Rays (80-81) are poised to complete a series sweep against the Boston Red Sox (80-81) this Sunday afternoon. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs, and with identical records, this matchup carries significant implications for both clubs.
Rays Pursue Series Sweep
Despite operating with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball—$88.8 million, the third-lowest—Tampa Bay has managed to stay competitive this season. However, injuries to key players like Shane McClanahan (elbow), Pete Fairbanks (lat), and Jeffrey Springs (elbow) have hindered their efforts.
The Rays won the first two games of this series with scores of 2-1 and 7-2, showcasing a resilient performance. In Saturday’s decisive victory, Shane Baz delivered a strong outing, tossing 6.0 innings and allowing just two earned runs. Offensively, Junior Caminero had a standout game, going 3-for-5 at the plate and driving in three runs, including a home run.
On the mound for Sunday’s finale will be Ryan Pepiot, making his 26th start of the season. The 27-year-old right-hander boasts an 8-7 record with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. In his most recent outing against the Tigers, Pepiot allowed two earned runs over five innings, though he ended up with a loss in a close 2-1 game. The Rays will be looking for a stronger showing from him to secure the sweep.
Red Sox Eye .500 Finish
The Red Sox have had a season of mixed expectations, and an 80-81 record feels fitting. While their offense has thrived—ranking seventh in team OPS (.742) and eighth in home runs (194)—the bullpen has struggled significantly, sitting 25th in both ERA (4.42) and WHIP (1.35).
In Saturday’s 7-2 loss, Kutter Crawford was unable to contain the Rays, surrendering six earned runs over 4.1 innings. On the offensive side, Triston Casas contributed a solo home run in the first inning, and Jarren Duran managed to score on a wild pitch in the sixth, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
Making his debut for Boston will be Quinn Priester, who was traded from the Pirates at the end of July. He has yet to make a start for the Red Sox and has a 2-6 record with a 5.04 ERA and 1.46 WHIP from his time with Pittsburgh. Priester hasn’t pitched in the Majors since July 27, when he allowed five earned runs to the Diamondbacks. This game will be crucial for him as he looks to establish himself in his new organization.
Conclusion
As the Rays aim for a sweep and the Red Sox strive to finish the season at .500, Sunday’s game at Tropicana Field promises to be a compelling clash. With Pepiot and Priester on the mound, both teams will be looking to end the season on a positive note, making this matchup one to watch.
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