On Friday, the Boston Red Sox scored eight runs through the first four innings and ended up defeating the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, 9-3. Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi helped lead the way in the team's six-run win. Here's the latest Rays vs. Red Sox game recap with top performers, statistics, a standing update, and what's next for each of these MLB squads.

MLB game recap

Mookie Betts came up big for the Boston Red Sox in today's 9-3 win. He ended up 1-for-4 in the game but delivered three RBIs for his team. Betts cranked out his 19th home run of the season in the first inning with two men on to give the Sox the early lead.

Andrew Benintendi had two hits in his five at-bats and had an RBI along with two runs scored. The Boston rookie had his 20th double of the season to help the Red Sox achieve today's 80th win of their campaign. Rafael Devers also played decently as the third baseman was 3-for-5 and scored twice.

For the Tampa Bay Rays, catcher Jesus Sucre hit his fifth home run of the season in the fifth inning. Sucre's shot was a two-run HR. The only other RBI in the game came from designated hitter Lucas Duda in the seventh inning. Second baseman Brad Miller and Sucre each scored a run in the game as well.

Picking up today's win for the Boston pitching staff was Drew Pomeranz. He was impressive through his six innings of work as he kept the visitors hitless until the fifth inning, and allowed just two runs through the sixth.

The win brings Pomeranz to 15-5 on the season. Taking the loss was Chris Archer (9-9) who struck out five, but allowed nine hits and eight runs in just three innings on the mound. The Rays used five more pitchers after that and were unable to find any offense to match the early firepower of the Red Sox.

Standings and what's next

Today's victory brings the Boston Red Sox to an overall record of 80-61 with a home record of 43-26. Boston will host Tampa Bay again at 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday with Chris Sale taking the mound for the Red Sox. The Red Sox continue to lead the American League East by 4.5 games over the New York Yankees as the teams look towards the postseason.

The Tampa Bay Rays are now 70-72 for the season with a 34-38 record on the road. The Rays are second-to-last in the AL East and trail the Minnesota Twins by 4.5 games for the second of two Wild Card spots in the American League. They'll send Matt Andriese out to the mound for Saturday night's game against Boston starting at 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time.