Red Sox set for critical series against Rays in playoff race
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 1:15 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
The Boston Red Sox face the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series starting Friday at Tropicana Field. Boston, currently at 83-70, aims to build on a recent comeback victory over the Texas Rangers. The Red Sox, who hold a five-game lead in the wild-card standings, enter this series against a Rays team that has already clinched a playoff spot and has the best record in the American League. Boston hopes to maintain its position in the playoff race with limited games remaining.
- •Red Sox come off a 4-3 victory over the Rangers.
- •Trevor Story's home run sparked the comeback win on Thursday.
- •Tampa Bay leads the AL with a 93-59 record and a six-game winning streak.
- •First pitch of Friday's opener is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.
- •Rays face Boston's Ranger Suárez, while Ian Seymour starts for Tampa Bay.
- 1:15 PMYahoo Sports — Red Sox Face Major Weekend Test With Playoff Race Reaching Critical Stage
"Boston escaped Texas with a dramatic comeback victory. Now the Red Sox head directly into a three-game series against the hottest team in the American League.
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