Boston Red Sox Eliminate Rays from Playoffs with 11-7 Win: Duran’s Homer, Crochet’s 9 K’s Lead Way

Friday, September 19th, 2025

Boston Red Sox Defeat Tampa Bay Rays 11-7, Eliminate Rays from Postseason Contention

The Boston Red Sox delivered a commanding 11-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, officially eliminating the Rays from postseason contention. With this win, the Red Sox are now tied with Houston for the American League's second wild card, holding a 1.5-game lead over Cleveland.

Game Overview

Jarren Duran powered the Red Sox to a late lead with a dramatic two-run homer in the seventh inning—his 16th of the season—putting Boston up 4-3. Duran continued to be a catalyst, singling and scoring during Boston’s explosive seven-run eighth inning. The Red Sox capitalized on Tampa Bay’s defensive miscues and a hit batter, with contributions from Nate Eaton and Ceddanne Rafaela, both delivering timely RBI singles.

Boston’s offensive surge proved essential, as Tampa Bay’s Everson Pereira launched a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth off Chris Murphy, briefly narrowing the margin. However, the Red Sox’s lead held firm.

Pitching Performances

Garrett Crochet struck out nine over six innings, giving up just three runs on four hits and three walks to earn his 17th win of the year. Tampa Bay starter Drew Rasmussen was chased after three innings, while Garrett Cleavinger, who surrendered Duran’s pivotal home run, took the loss and fell to 1-6 on the season.

Key Moments

The turnaround for the Red Sox came in the seventh inning with Jarren Duran’s go-ahead two-run home run. This blast dramatically shifted momentum in Boston’s favor and paved the way for the late-inning outburst that secured the win.

Notable Stats

Yandy Díaz continued his standout season, homering in the third inning for his 25th homer of the year and the 100th of his career. For Boston, Alex Bregman added his 18th home run of the season in the third inning, tying the game at that point.

Early Scoring Action

The Rays struck first, with Yandy Díaz doubling to start the bottom of the first and being driven in by Nick Fortes. Rookie Carson Williams followed Diaz’s early spark with his fifth homer of the season. Boston answered in the second and third innings, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s RBI single and Bregman’s long ball.

Up Next

The series continues as Kyle Harrison (1-1, 4.05 ERA) takes the mound for Boston. The Rays will counter with Adrian Houser (8-4, 3.11 ERA) for Saturday’s matchup at Tropicana Field.

In summary

The Boston Red Sox solidified their postseason hopes by eliminating the Tampa Bay Rays with an 11-7 victory, thanks in large part to Jarren Duran’s clutch home run and Garrett Crochet’s strong outing. The Red Sox move into a wild-card tie with Houston and continue to build momentum with key contributions from throughout their lineup and bullpen. The Rays, after a promising start, were undone by Boston’s late-game offense and their own defensive mistakes. Both teams look ahead to the remainder of the series as the playoff picture continues to develop.

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