Red Sox take advantage of Rays mistakes for big innings, Lester wins 12-2 in ALDS opener

BOSTON – Jon Lester allowed three hits in 7 2-3 innings and the Boston Red Sox took advantage of poor Tampa Bay defence in a five-run fourth to beat the Rays 12-2 on Friday in Game 1 of the AL division series.

Lester gave up a pair of solo homers into the Monster Seats, but he got the lead back when the Rays fell apart in the fourth. One ball fell between two outfielders, another took a bad hop off the Green Monster standings, one batter reached safely on a dropped third strike and another when pitcher Matt Moore was slow to cover first.

By the time it was over, the Red Sox were ahead 5-2 and on their way to the early lead in the best-of-five series. Game 2 is on Saturday at Fenway Park.

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Jimmy Golen

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