ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Roman Anthony homered and drove in three runs and the Boston Red Sox took a big step toward clinching an American League playoff spot with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.<\/p>\n
The Red Sox, who entered Friday with a magic number of three, could secure a wild-card spot as early as Saturday.<\/p>\n
Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda drove in runs for the postseason-bound Rays. They had won six in a row.<\/p>\n
Anthony hit the game\u2019s third pitch from Ian Seymour (9-7) into the right-field seats for his third career leadoff homer. Then, in the second inning, Anthony broke a 1-1 tie and drove in two more runs with a two-out single.<\/p>\n
Jahmai Jones gave Boston a 4-1 advantage with his own solo homer to lead off the third. Caleb Durbin added two hits for the Red Sox, who own the American League\u2019s third-best record (84-70), behind the Rays and Yankees.<\/p>\n
Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez (8-4) threw 5 2\/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run with five walks and five strikeouts. He also snared Taylor Walls\u2019 100-mph liner in the fourth, before completing an inning-ending double play.<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay couldn\u2019t capitalize on multiple opportunities, including nine Red Sox walks. The Rays left the bases loaded in the sixth and ninth, when Erik Miller retired Chandler Simpson on a game-ending grounder. Tampa Bay was 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position.<\/p>\n
Boston left-hander Erik Miller had his fifth save despite a shaky ninth inning, including three wild pitches and two walks.<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay RHP Freddy Peralta (9-11, 4.67 ERA) was set to start Saturday. Boston had yet to announce a starter.<\/p>\n
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