BOSTON _ There are days when Tyler Glasnow makes it look so easy.
Sunday, for the most part, was one, as he pitched strongly into the seventh to lead the Rays to a 5-2 win and a sweep of their rain-abbreviated two-game series against the Red Sox.
Glasnow sailed through the first five innings, worked in and out of some trouble in the sixth then was taken out two outs into the seventh. He allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out nine, improving his record to 5-0 with a 1.75 ERA.
With the win, the Rays extended their majors-best record to 18-9.
Rays manager Kevin Cash was questioned, and criticized, for taking Glasnow out too soon Easter Sunday, pulling him with one out in the sixth, and only 76 pitches thrown, with a 2-1 lead in favor of bullpen matchups that didn't work out in what ended up a 4-3, 11-inning loss.
This Sunday it appeared he almost went too far the other way, allowing Glasnow to pitch through a rough start to the sixth, then into the seventh before taking him out with a 4-0 lead cut to 4-2 and the tying run at the plate.
Emilio Pagan, who saved the game and the day on Saturday, picked them up again by getting Christian Vazquez to fly out. Jose Alvarado worked a quick eight-pitch eighth, and Diego Castillo finished it off with a strong ninth, allowing one hit.
The Rays took the lead quickly, as they have been wont to do, scoring in the first inning for the ninth time in 11 road games, and 17th time in 27 games overall.
Yandy Diaz, who led off Saturday with his team-high seventh homer of the season, started with a double this time off struggling Sox ace Chris Sale.
With one out, Daniel Robertson picked a good time for his first home run, a two-run shot over the Green Monster.
The Rays doubled the lead in the second inning. Guillermo Heredia drew a one-out walk, and Willy Adames, whose average is headed back under .200, reached on an error. With two outs, Diaz struck again, lacing a ball into the triangle in straightaway center for a two-run triple.
The Rays headed out after the game for Kansas City, where they open a four-game series against the Royals on Monday.
