BOSTON — The Rays’ brutal start to post-All-Star-break play continued Sunday with a 6-1 loss that completed a four-game series sweep by the red-hot Red Sox.
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The loss was a compendium of failure, as the Rays struggled in all aspects of play.
At the plate, they failed to take advantage of repeated opportunities, leaving 11 men on and going 0-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Their only run came on an inside-the-park home run by Victor Mesa Jr., about the only moment of Rays excitement for the day, if not the weekend.
On the mound for the Rays, Shane McClanahan had a rough outing on 10 days’ rest, giving up six runs (four earned) in five innings, allowing nine Red Sox to reach base — five hits (including a homer), three walks and a hit batter.
And in the field, the Rays managed something that is hard to do, allowing the Sox to score three runs in the third inning without getting even one hit.
Overall, the Rays lost a season-high fifth straight game — their last win was the Saturday before the All-Star break — and dropped to 56-42, which is still the best record in the American League. The roaring Red Sox won their 13th straight game, matching the second-longest such streak in franchise history, a 13-game run in July 1948. The franchise’s longest was 15 games in June 1946.
The Rays’ East division lead remained at two games heading into the second game of a day-night doubleheader for the Yankees, who lost the first to the Dodgers.
The Rays had repeated opportunities early in the game against veteran starter Sonny Gray, who improved to 12-1 and lowered his ERA 2.48 with six strong innings.
In the first, the Rays had two on with one out, but Cedric Mullins struck out and Chandler Simpson flied out.
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After Mesa led off the second with his home run, the Rays had two on and no outs, but Hunter Feduccia struck out, and Yandy Diaz (1-for-16 in the series) and Jonathan Aranda (1-for-12) both flied out.
In the third, they had two on with one out, but Mesa struck out and Richie Palacios flied out.
And in the ninth they had two on with no outs, but Diaz, Aranda and Junior Caminero all made outs.
Starting pitching was an issue for all four games for the Rays, including Sunday.
The Rays left after the game for Toronto, where they will open a four-game series against the Jays on Monday.
Up next
The Rays head to Toronto for a four-game set with the Blue Jays, with RHP Nick Martinez (8-2, 2.65 ERA) taking the hill against RHP Dylan Cease (6-4, 2.56).
The Red Sox continue their 10-game homestand with a three-game series against the Orioles. LHP Payton Tolle (5-6, 3.11 ERA) starts opposite RHP Shane Baz (4-9, 4.19).
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.