The Red Sox came into the game just off a big win, but having lost two of three to St. Louis in their last series. They lost three of four to the Rays at Fenway last week, and while the teams have similar records, hovering around .500, the Sox entered the contest one game below while the Rays came in one game above it. The Rays recently passed the Sox in the standings to claim third place in the AL east.
So to say the Sox had some things to prove would be an understatement.
It was an inauspicious start to the game, with the first three Sox striking out in the top of the first.