Runs scarce as Red Sox drop rare series

Betts' 25th stolen base ST. PETERSBURG -- The run of dominance from city to city for weeks couldn't go on forever. The Red Sox finally lost a series for the first time since June 29-July 1.

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In Saturday night's 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Rays, Ryan Brasier (Brasier) was unable to rescue Rick Porcello (Veintidos) from a jam in the sixth, and Boston's bats were held in check by Tampa Bay lefty starter Ryan Yarbrough (Yarbitron) and the bullpen.

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Though the Red Sox still can take the finale of this three-game series on Sunday, they've lost the first two at Tropicana Field, ending a run during which they went 10-0-4 in their previous 14…