TAMPA — Instant reactions from the Red Sox’ win over the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field:

1) The Red Sox temporarily stopped the bleeding Friday, following a highly disappointing homestand that saw them go 2-4. They got a go-ahead two-run homer from Jarren Duran in the seventh inning, erasing a one-run deficit, then erupted — with some help from the Rays — when they added seven insurance runs for a 11-7 victory — just their third win in the last eight games. Run-scoring singles from Nate Eaton and Ceddanne Rafaela, plus a bases loaded walk capped the eighth. The win helped the Red Sox keep some distance between themselves and the white-hot Cleveland Guardians, their closest wild card competitors. A grand slam by Everson Pereira in the ninth made the game seem closer than it was.

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