Anthony's blast sets tone in return to home state as Sox close in on playoff berth

ST. PETERSBURG – Roman Anthony tore into the third pitch of Friday night’s game at Tropicana Field, perhaps making a Statcast-projected 438-foot statement into a short porch in right-center field that his slump is over.

For good measure, the 22-year-old stepped up an inning later and came up with his first career hit in 11 plate appearances with the bases loaded, bashing a two-run single to right.

It was Anthony leading the offense as the Sox (84-70) pushed closer to punching their ticket to the postseason with a 4-2 victory over the Rays, who have an American League-best 93-60 record and came into this one with a six-game winning streak.

Given the all but certain likelihood for the last few weeks that the Red Sox will be participants in the playoffs, the club is eager to officially punch that ticket, which could happen as early as Saturday depending on how other games around the league go.

“I think everybody does, for sure,” said interim manager Chad Tracy. “We came out and looked really good offensively in the first part of that game, and there was a lot of energy in the dugout. And I think guys feel it. We're not done yet, but I definitely think they sniff it, and we're wanting to get there for sure.”

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The Red Sox, it goes without saying, will be a much more dangerous team in the postseason if Anthony is wielding a hot bat.

Perhaps it was no coincidence Anthony’s strong performance took place while playing his first career game in the state of Florida, even if he did grow up on the opposite coast from Tropicana Field.

“I had a bunch [of people in the stands],” said Anthony. “I got to see my parents, got to see my sister, and just some friends and some family and my grandparents. So it's great. Obviously, any time you get to come home to Florida, it's always great to see those familiar faces.”

Also, this wasn’t Anthony’s first experience playing at the Trop.

“Summer ball stuff, like a Perfect Game [showcase] event or something like that,” Anthony said. “It was a while ago. I was probably 14, 15 years old last time I played here. It feels good to be back on a different end.”

While Anthony swung a hot bat in his first four games back from the injured list, his next 12 games entering Friday went like this: a slash line of .137/.214/.296 with one extra-base hit in 56 plate appearances.

Anthony has been in the lab with hitting coach John Soteropulos and that work is starting to pay dividends.

“He's amazing. He's somebody who knows my swing so well. We have been together since I came into this org, really, all throughout the Minor Leagues. Having somebody here, somebody who knows my swing and when to talk, nobody knows me better than John,” said Anthony. “I give so much credit to him in helping me out and getting into the video room and the cage and making sure everything is where we want it to be. “

From the mound, Ranger Suarez (8-4, 3.27 ERA) turned in his third consecutive solid start, despite issuing a career-high five walks. The lefty worked around the trouble he created, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out five over 5 2/3 innings and 98 pitches (56 strikes).

Suarez, who doesn’t seem to stress about anything, shrugged off the five walks.

“I think it was one of those nights that you didn't have the command, but I was able to turn the page quickly and was able to get outs when I needed,” said Suarez.

Wyatt Olds, who has gone from an unheralded callup to a key bullpen piece of late, walked the first two batters he faced when he came on for Suarez, but he escaped the bases-loaded jam by striking out pinch-hitter Jake Fraley.

Greg Weissert came through with two big innings, working around one hit.

Big lefty Erik Miller, who has slumped of late, worked out of traffic and some misfortune (a strikeout/wild pitch that kept the game going) to earn his fifth save of the season and first for Boston.

While the champagne corks should be popped soon enough, the Red Sox are staying in the here and now.

“When we clinch, I want to be able to [celebrate],” said Suarez. “But mathematically, we're not there yet, so I'm not thinking about that yet.”