After the conclusion of a relatively low-stakes trade deadline for the Rays, there was still a ballgame to be played, and a key series against division rivals the Boston Red Sox no less.
The Rays kicked things off with Josh Fleming on the mound, and while he gave up an initial single to Hernandez, he managed to shut the rest of the Red Sox down in order. In the bottom of the inning the Rays decided to strike early. After two strikeouts, Meadows drew a walk, and then, how do we like to start the game? How about a Yandy Diaz two-run homer in the first inning?