Rays beat Red Sox again, All-Star Shane McClanahan dazzles in victory

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Shane McClanahan earned his 10th win and regained the major league lead in strikeouts during his final outing before the All-Star Game, pitching the Tampa Bay Rays past the Boston Red Sox 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Taylor Walls homered for the Rays, who have won five straight against the rival Red Sox.

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Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan throws to a Boston Red Sox batter during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla.  (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

McClanahan (10-3) struck out six and allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings of three-hit ball. He increased his season total to 147 strikeouts.

"That is the All-Star starter, in my opinion," said rookie Josh Lowe, who scored from first base on a single for the Rays' final run. "No reason he doesn’t deserve to get that nod. He’s been incredible for us all year long."

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash, who has been campaigning for his ace for weeks, was goaded into one more endorsement Wednesday night.

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"I hope he starts the All-Star Game, how about that? That’s the best I can give," Cash said with a laugh. "As I’ve said, I think that’s the best first-half starting pitching performance that I’ve witnessed."

The 25-year-old lefty lowered his AL-best ERA to 1.71 and equaled his win total from his rookie season a year ago. He's certainly a leading candidate to start for the American League next Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.

"I’m just honored to go," McClanahan said. "It’s an honor to be included in the conversation. Whether I get the ball or not, it’s out of my