What happened
The Red Sox extended their win streak to 12 games, according to the team's own account, closing out a 7-6 decision over the Rays. The victory keeps Boston rolling into Sunday's series finale at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox already hold a 3-0 lead over Tampa Bay in the season series.
Why it matters
The 12-game run has lifted Boston to 41-44 on the season after an extended stretch below .500. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has lost three straight and slipped to 49-39, a sharp reversal for a club that entered the week among the American League's better records.
By the numbers
Boston is averaging 4.1 runs scored and 3.8 runs allowed per game during its resurgence. Tampa Bay is averaging 4.5 runs scored and 4.5 runs allowed, with the current three-game skid eating into a once-comfortable position in the standings.
What to watch next
Boston and Tampa Bay close out the series Sunday at Fenway Park, with the Red Sox looking to complete a sweep and stretch their streak to 13. A win would deepen Boston's season-series advantage over the Rays and add another data point to its stretch-run push toward .500.