(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Brandon Lowe’s 30th Homer Powers Rays Past Red Sox 7-3
September 21, 2025
Brandon Lowe hit his 30th home run of the season as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-3 on Sunday night, avoiding a sweep and snapping an eight-game skid against their division rivals.
The victory improved Tampa Bay’s record to 76-80, while Boston fell to 85-71. Despite the loss, the Red Sox held on to their slim one-game lead in the race for the American League’s second Wild Card spot after both Cleveland and Houston also dropped their games.
Rays Break Through Early
Playing at Steinbrenner Field—their temporary home after Tropicana Field was damaged by Hurricane Milton—the Rays jumped on Boston rookie Connelly Early in the first inning.
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Chandler Simpson singled to open the frame.
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Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero drew walks.
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Christopher Morel delivered a two-run double.
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A Red Sox error allowed another run to score, giving Tampa Bay a 3-0 cushion.
The Rays later secured their ninth straight winning record at home (41-40) and now head into their final six games on the road.
Lowe Provides Power
Lowe’s seventh-inning blast off Steven Matz gave him 30 home runs for the second time in his career, providing much-needed insurance. Tampa Bay then broke the game open in the eighth with a four-run rally against rookie reliever Payton Tolle.
Red Sox Missed Opportunities
Boston’s aggressive baserunning, which worked earlier in the series, backfired in this one.
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Romy Gonzalez was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first.
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Jarren Duran was picked off at first after drawing a walk.
The Red Sox went 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position but struck out 14 times. Lowe himself fanned three times with men on base, stranding eight runners.
On the Mound
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Garrett Cleavinger (2-6) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief.
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Connelly Early (1-1) took the loss, giving up three runs on three hits in his second career start.
What’s Next?
The Rays hit the road to close out their season, while the Red Sox continue their push for the postseason in a tight Wild Card race.
