The Boston Red Sox are set to return to competitive action following the All-Star break, facing the formidable first-place Tampa Bay Rays in a doubleheader at their home ground, Fenway Park. This twin bill on Friday forms a significant part of a broader four-game series, which is scheduled to unfold across just three days. The scheduling of today’s doubleheader itself was a direct consequence of a rainout that occurred earlier in the season, on May 9.
Heading into the break, the Red Sox had been in excellent form, winning 14 of their last 16 outings. This impressive run included nine consecutive victories achieved on the road, a streak that has brought the club back into postseason contention. The Red Sox have allowed an average of 3.8 runs per game, which stands as their second-lowest mark through 94 games since the end of World War 2.
The Tampa Bay Rays also entered the All-Star break with strong performances, recording a 13-5 record. Their recent schedule saw them splitting a four-game series against the Yankees before successfully taking two of three games from the Mariners. Currently, the Rays hold the best record in the American League, leading the division by three games.
Crucial Doubleheader at Fenway
The matinee game of the doubleheader will feature a matchup of left-handed pitchers. The Red Sox will call upon rookie Jake Bennett, who brings a season record of 4-3 and an earned run average (ERA) of 2.64 to the mound. Opposing him for the Tampa Bay Rays will be right-hander Griffin Jax, holding a record of 5-6 with a 3.47 ERA.
The first pitch for the opening game is scheduled for 1:35 p.m., while the second game of the doubleheader is slated to commence later in the evening at 7:10 p.m. As of now, neither club has announced their starting pitcher for this second encounter.
For today’s doubleheader, the Red Sox have made an addition to their roster, bringing in left-hander Alec Gamboa as the club’s 27th man. Major League Baseball rules permit both competing teams to add an extra player specifically for games scheduled as part of a doubleheader. Gamboa, who is 29 years old, has made four appearances for the Red Sox this season, marking his Major League debut. In these outings, he has recorded four strikeouts and allowed two runs over five innings of work.
Beyond his Major League contributions, Gamboa has also pitched in 15 games for Triple-A Worcester, making six starts for the minor league affiliate. For Worcester, he has maintained a 3.63 ERA and accumulated a total of 43 strikeouts. The Red Sox lineup for Game 1 includes Seigler at second base, Rafaela in centre field, and Abreu in right field. Durbin is listed at third base, with Yoshida as the designated hitter, and Gonzalez at first base. Duran will play left field, Narváez will catch, and Cheng is set to start at shortstop.
Pitching Form and Player Updates
Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett, representing the Red Sox, is entering the doubleheader in a strong vein of form, having secured victories in his last three starts. He has demonstrated notable consistency on the mound, pitching for at least seven innings in consecutive victories against both the Angels and the White Sox. His performance on July 8 was particularly impressive, as he limited the Chicago White Sox to just four hits over seven shutout innings, preventing any runs from scoring. However, Bennett’s track record against the Tampa Bay Rays presents a stark contrast; he has been handed two losses in his prior starts against them, holding an 0-2 record. Across those 10⅓ innings pitched against the Rays, he carries a less favourable ERA of 6.97, reflecting a more challenging history with this specific opponent.
Griffin Jax for the Rays has also been in good form leading into the series, securing wins in four of his last five starts. His single loss during this period occurred on July 6 against the Yankees, a game where he nonetheless managed to strike out 10 batters over five innings. Jax’s career record stands at 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA across his 15 Major League appearances. Only two of these have been starts, one of which was a four-inning no-decision on May 7 at Fenway Park, where he allowed two earned runs on four hits.
Willson Contreras will not be available for the opening game of the doubleheader due to an ongoing suspension. He is currently completing a five-game ban imposed for his actions during a bench-clearing brawl against the Nationals on June 30. Contreras will, however, be eligible to participate in the nightcap. Details regarding specific player matchups from previous encounters are available, noting how certain Rays hitters have fared against Bennett, and Red Sox hitters against Jax.
This doubleheader presents a significant challenge for both clubs as they resume play following the All-Star break. The Red Sox aim to extend their strong recent form and further their pursuit of a postseason spot. Meanwhile, the Rays will look to defend their commanding position at the top of the American League standings. The twin bill commences with the matinee at 1:35 p.m., followed by the second game at 7:10 p.m.