Renfroe goes deep twice as Rays belt the Red Sox
Former Mississippi State player Hunter Renfroe, right, of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates
BOSTON — Former Mississippi State player Hunter Renfroe hit two homers and drove in three runs, Mike Zunino belted a three-run shot over the Green Monster and out of Fenway Park and the surging Tampa Bay Rays beat the struggling Boston Red Sox 17-8 on Thursday to complete a four-game series sweep.
It was the sixth straight win for the Rays (12-8), who posted their eighth consecutive victory in Fenway. Tampa Bay won for the 12th time in its last 14 games against Boston.
Brandon Lowe added a solo homer during a five-run third inning that chased starter Kyle Hart (0-1), who was making his majorleague debut.
Manuel Margot had his second four-hit game of the series, Willy Adames had three hits and two RBIS, and Yoshi Tsutsugo had two hits and two RBIS for the Rays, who posted season-highs in runs and hits (19). Zunino drove in four runs.
Kevin Plawecki had a two-run double and three RBIS for Boston, and Rafael Devers made three throwing errors after a firstinning RBI single. The Red Sox (6-13), who own the AL’S worst record, have lost four straight.
Jalen Beeks (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings in relief and was credited with the win. Athony Banda pitched three innings for his first career save.
Leading 10-5, Tampa Bay broke it open with a six-run sixth, scoring all the runs off Marcus Walden, who didn’t get an out. Renfroe homered over the Monster and five batters later Zunino sent his shot out of Fenway.