MLB: Tampa Bay 10, Boston 3
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17 (UPI) --
Willy Aybar helped Tampa Bay overcome an early deficit with a two-run homer Wednesday and the Rays went on to smash Boston 10-3.
Tampa Bay moved two games in front of the Red Sox in their battle for the American League East title. Boston stayed seven games ahead of Minnesota in the wild card chase.
David Ortiz hit a two-run homer in the Boston first, one of his two home runs in the game. Tampa Bay, however, quickly rallied for three in its half of the inning.
Aybar's homer gave the Rays a 3-2 lead, which they expanded to 7-2 through three innings.
Gabe Gross and Fernando Perez hit solo homers in the second and Aybar had a run-scoring single as part of a three-run third.
Tampa Bay reached 90 wins for the first time in franchise history.
Grant Balfour (5-2) earned the win in relief, giving up a hit in two innings. Tim Wakefield (9-11) suffered the loss, surrendering six hits and six runs in 2 1/3.
Tampa Bay won the season series 10-8. That means if the Rays and Red Sox tie for the division title and both are assured a playoff spot, Tampa Bay would become AL East champion without having to take part in a one-game playoff.
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