Bogaerts’ 6 RBIs key 7th win in row

BOSTON — Xander Bogaerts kept up a powerful start that has helped the Red Sox get off on a fast run.

He hit the Red Sox’s first grand slam since the end of the 2016 season and drove in a career-best six runs Saturday to key a 10-3 victory over the Rays, the seventh in a row for the Red Sox.

“He’s been an unbelievable hitter every year,” starter Rick Porcello (2-0) said. “Now he’s doing it with power. He’s a big threat at the plate.”

Porcello (2-0) gave up three runs on six hits, striking out seven without allowing a walk over 7 1 ⁄3 innings. He retired 20 of 21 batters, and 17 in a row, after giving up two runs in the first.

In addition to his slam, Bogaerts drove in two runs with his seventh double in eight games.

J.D. Martinez hit his first home run since signing a five-year, $110 million free agent contract during spring training. Rafael Devers also connected.

“We’ve been on and off,” new manager Alex Cora said. “We know we’re a good offensive team. It’s just a matter of time.”

This is just the second time in franchise history the Red Sox have lost their season opener and won the next seven. The other came in 1904.

The Rays have lost seven straight and are off to their worst start ever after rallying to beat the Red Sox on opening day.

“Nobody’s happy we’re manager Kevin Cash said.

Rays starter Jake Faria gave up a career-high eight runs while getting just five outs. He threw only 34 strikes in 73 pitches.

“It’s frustrating; it’s embarrassing,” Faria said. “I’m in the big leagues and I can’t throw strikes to anybody.”

Infielder Daniel Robertson pitched a perfect eighth, throwing seven strikes in 11 pitches. 1-7,”