Streaking Rays trounce Red Sox, extend perfect start to 11-0

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays ran their season-opening win streak to 11 games, moving closer to history by using another homer for Brandon Lowe and a strong performance by Shane McClanahan to defeat the Boston Red Sox 7-2 on Tuesday night.

Yandy Díaz and Lowe hit back-to-back solo shots with two out in the fifth inning. Lowe extended his homer streak to four straight games.

Isaac Paredes and Josh Lowe also connected for the Rays, and McClanahan (3-0) struck out nine while pitching five-plus innings of one-run ball.

The 1987 Milwaukee Brewers and the 1982 Atlanta Braves share the major league record for the best start to a season at 13-0.

The four homers brought Tampa Bay's total to 29, matching the major league record through 11 games set by the 2000 St. Louis Cardinals. It was the Rays' third four-homer game of the young season.

Before the game, the Rays placed starter Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list with lower back tightness.

In his pregame media availability, Cash told reporters that prospect Taj Bradley will be promoted from the minor leagues to start in Wednesday's series finale vs. Boston.

The Eflin move will be backdated to April 8, so the right-handed veteran will miss at least two turns in the rotation, including Wednesday's game for the Rays, who have won 10 straight games to open the season. That said, Cash said that his IL stint should be minimal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.