![Hector Velazquez Pitches Well As Red Sox Beat Rays](http://townsquare.media/site/591/files/2018/04/Hector-Velazquez-Brian-Blanco.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hector Velazquez Pitches Well As Red Sox Beat Rays
The Red Sox got another strong performance from a starting pitcher Sunday -- this time Hector Velazquez -- as they closed out a 4-game series against the Rays with a 2-1 win.
Velazquez made the start in the Red Sox fourth game of the season due to injuries to Drew Pomeranz, Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright, who also faces a 15-game suspension for violating MLB's domestic violence policy.
Velazquez allowed five hits and one run and struck out five over 5.2 innings. The Rays only run of the game came on a Brad Miller home run to right center field in the second inning.
Boston has gotten four solid performances from starting pitchers to start the season, with Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello and Velazquez combining to allow just two runs.
J.D. Martiniez knocked in his first RBI in a Rox Sox uniform on a fifth-inning line-drive single to left field that scored Mookie Betts.
Boston's second run came on a single off the bat of Rafael Devers that scored Jackie Bradly Jr. in the sixth inning.
The win marked Boston's third consecutive triumph over the Rays. The Red Sox bullpen blew a 4-run eighth-inning lead in a 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay on opening day.
Boston will open a two-game series with the Marlins Monday night in Miami. Brian Johnson is expected to be on the mound for the Red Sox.
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