For the first time in franchise history, the Red Sox have started the season with 8 wins and 1 loss. From 8th inning blunder on Opening Day, to 8th inning wonder today. The Red Sox came back from a 7-2 deficit in the bottom of the 8th inning today at Fenway Park against the Tampa Bay Rays, to win the game 8-7. The game seemed like a loss for a while until they finally got it rolling late.

The inning began with a Hanley Ramirez single to left, followed by a strike out by J.D Martinez and a fly out by Brock Holt.

With two outs and a loss in sight, the Red Sox scored 6-straight runs. Mitch Moreland recorded his first double of the year scoring Ramirez (7-3), Nunez reached and eventually scored along with Moreland on a double by Rafael Devers (7-5). Vazquez kept it going with a base hit to center scoring Devers (7-6). Then Mookie Betts came to the plate and knocked in Vazquez (7-7). And to top it all off, Andrew Benintendi slammed a double off of the Monster to give the Sox a one run lead.

And that’s how you complete the sweep!! 👏 pic.twitter.com/78wltw6qTi — Red Sox (@RedSox) April 8, 2018

After an injury scare to Xander Bogaerts in the 7th inning, the Red Sox fought from behind without their hottest hitter. Bogaerts appeared to injure his left-ankle while sliding into the Rays dugout after chasing an errant throw to third. More information will surface as the rest of the day today, and he will most likely be evaluated tomorrow during the off-day.

Eduardo Rodriguez started in his first game of 2018 today after coming off a battle from his knee injury last season. Kevin Dillon (masslive.com) writes,“He struggled to get quick outs in the innings afterward. He exited after 3 2/3 innings having only thrown 55 strikes on 92 pitches. Rodriguez allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. Carson Smith earned the win in the game, allowing one hit and two walks in one scoreless eighth inning.”

With this win, it is a huge confidence booster for this team going forward. They have an idea that they are capable of grinding out games when trailing in the later innings. The Sox have now won 8 straight games, and look ahead to a much talked about series with the New York Yankees starting on Tuesday.