Red Sox secure playoff berth despite 5-1 loss to Rays
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 9:46 PM
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
The Boston Red Sox lost 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays on September 20, 2026. Griffin Jax pitched five shutout innings, leading the Rays to victory and closer to an AL East title. The Red Sox, however, clinched a playoff spot after the Houston Astros lost to the Atlanta Braves. This followed a significant turnaround for Boston, having gone from 32-46 on June 24 to a playoff position by winning 52 of their last 77 games. Boston will next face the Cleveland Guardians at home after a day off.
- •Rays scored four runs in the first inning against the Red Sox.
- •Trevor Story hit a late home run for Boston in the ninth inning.
- •Red Sox improved their record to 84-71 after a challenging season.
- •Rays can clinch the AL East title with a win in Tuesday's doubleheader.
- •Boston will start left-hander Payton Tolle against the Guardians next.
- 9:46 PMYahoo Sports — Red Sox punch ticket to playoffs despite 5-1 loss to Rays
"Despite the loss, the Red Sox later secured a playoff berth when the Houston Astros lost to the Atlanta Braves.
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