(SportsNetwork.com) - Joe Kelly tries to string his third straight solid start together on Wednesday when the Boston Red Sox resume their three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Kelly did not get a decision against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, as he allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings of his team's 3-2 win. He had given up just one run and one hit over seven innings to win his season debut against the New York Yankees.
Tampa, meanwhile, turns to righty Nathan Karns, who is 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA. Karns did not get a decision on Friday against the New York Yankees, as he yielded a pair of runs and two hits - both solo home runs - in five innings of the Rays' 5-4 loss.
Boston drew first blood in this series on Tuesday, as Wade Miley pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the Red Sox escaped with a 1-0 victory.
Miley (1-1) walked four but allowed three hits and struck out three over his 5 2/3-inning appearance. Four relievers combined to allow one hit the rest of the way, with Koji Uehara notching his second save by recording the final three outs.
"We established the fastball tonight," said Miley. "Defense made some great plays."
Hanley Ramirez and Ryan Hanigan each collected two hits for the Red Sox, who were coming off a rain-shortened win against the Orioles on Monday.
Chris Archer (2-2) was the hard-luck loser for the Rays, after giving up an unearned run on seven hits while fanning nine over 5 2/3 frames.
"They were very patient, really waited me out and spoiled some pitches," said Archer.
Tampa won 10 of its 19 matchups with the Red Sox a season ago.
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