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Boston Red Sox 4–2 Tampa Bay Rays: match recap

BOSBoston Red SoxWLLWW4
TBTampa Bay RaysWWWWW2

FinalMLB · Start Sep 18, 2026, 11:10 PM UTC · Venue: Tropicana Field

Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays finished 4–2 (MLB) on September 18, 2026. Below: the form, standings and head-to-head record both teams took into the game.

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Match recap

Boston's Roman Anthony provided the decisive blow with a three-run homer, powering a 5-1 victory over Tampa Bay. The Red Sox out-hit the Rays 4-1 and seized control early behind a strong two-run first inning.

The game was effectively decided in the first frame when Boston struck for three runs, capped by Roman Anthony's three-run blast off Ian Seymour. The Rays managed only a single hit and a lone run against a stingy Red Sox pitching staff. Seymour labored through 1.2 innings, surrendering four hits and three earned runs. Tampa Bay's offense never found traction, while Boston's pitching held them to a .250 average with runners in scoring position.

Key factors

  • Roman Anthony's three-run homer provided the offensive edge Boston needed, batting .500 on the day.
  • Rays starter Ian Seymour struggled, allowing four hits and three earned runs over just 1.2 innings.
  • Boston's pitching limited Tampa Bay to one hit, stifling any momentum the home team could generate.

The Analyst's verdict

The Red Sox's early power surge proved insurmountable for a Rays offense that managed only one hit. Boston's ability to strike first and then pitch effectively puts them in a strong position moving forward, while Tampa Bay will need to address their offensive inconsistency.

Matchup edge

Form edge: Tampa Bay Rays, 5-0 in the last 5 games against 3-2 for Boston Red Sox.

Matchup to watch: Boston Red Sox’s attack (index 98) against Tampa Bay Rays’ defence (index 91).

Matchup to watch: Tampa Bay Rays’ attack (index 102) against Boston Red Sox’s defence (index 86).

Recent form: last 5

Boston Red Sox: 3 wins and 2 losses in the last 5, with 18 runs scored and 16 conceded.

Boston Red Sox
Sep 17, 2026at Texas RangersW4–3
Sep 16, 2026at Texas RangersL3–7
Sep 15, 2026at Texas RangersL2–4
Sep 13, 2026vs Kansas City RoyalsW4–1
Sep 12, 2026vs Kansas City RoyalsW5–1

Tampa Bay Rays: 5 wins and 0 losses in the last 5, with 33 runs scored and 11 conceded.

Tampa Bay Rays
Sep 17, 2026vs AthleticsW10–1
Sep 16, 2026vs AthleticsW4–3
Sep 15, 2026vs AthleticsW2–1
Sep 13, 2026vs Houston AstrosW14–4
Sep 12, 2026vs Houston AstrosW3–2

Results before kickoff, newest first.

Head-to-head

In the last 5 meetings on record, Boston Red Sox won 4, Tampa Bay Rays won 1.

Jul 19, 2026Boston Red Sox6–1Tampa Bay Rays
Jul 18, 2026Boston Red Sox7–6Tampa Bay Rays
Jul 17, 2026Boston Red Sox5–3Tampa Bay Rays
Jul 17, 2026Boston Red Sox10–0Tampa Bay Rays
Jun 10, 2026Tampa Bay Rays7–5Boston Red Sox

Season so far

Boston Red Sox are 9th of 30 on win rate after 153 games (83-70).

Tampa Bay Rays are 2nd of 30 on win rate after 152 games (93-59).

#TeamPWLRuns
9Boston Red Sox1538370672:589
2Tampa Bay Rays1529359698:618

Team season model

  • Boston Red Sox attack index 98: 2% less scoring per game than the league average.
  • Boston Red Sox defence index 86: 14% less conceded per game than the league average.
  • Tampa Bay Rays attack index 102: 2% more scoring per game than the league average.
  • Tampa Bay Rays defence index 91: 9% less conceded per game than the league average.

Index 100 is the league average per game. Above 100 in attack means more scoring; below 100 in defence means fewer conceded.

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More MLB games that day

  • Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati RedsSep 18, 2026 · 4–6
  • Kansas City Royals vs Pittsburgh PiratesSep 18, 2026 · 5–8
  • Milwaukee Brewers vs Baltimore OriolesSep 18, 2026 · 6–5
  • Athletics vs Cleveland GuardiansSep 18, 2026 · 3–5
  • Philadelphia Phillies vs New York MetsSep 18, 2026 · 3–6
  • Detroit Tigers vs Chicago White SoxSep 18, 2026 · 11–8
  • Toronto Blue Jays vs Texas RangersSep 18, 2026 · 1–7
  • Atlanta Braves vs Houston AstrosSep 18, 2026 · 6–2
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  • Boston Red Sox: form and fixtures →
  • Tampa Bay Rays: form and fixtures →
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