Doubront rocked again as Red Sox fall to Rays 9-2

Mar 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Felix Doubront (22) throws a warm up pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Felix Doubront struggled mightily as the Rays held the Red Sox hitless into the seventh en route to a 9-2 victory.

Doubront came into the game fresh off his worst outing of the spring, a 3 2/3 inning effort in which he surrendered seven runs on 10 hits. Instead of returning to early spring form (Doubront had not allowed a run in any of his appearances before the Yankees game), Doubront continued downhill, allowing eight runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings while walking two and striking out six.

To make matters worse, the Red Sox were unable to notch a base hit through the first six innings, as the trio of Matt Moore, Brandon Gomes and Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez) worked their magic. Moore managed to retire the first seven batters he faced before walking Will Middlebrooks in the third. Moore walked three more in the inning, forcing in a run.

Xander Bogaerts broke up the Rays’ no-hitter in the seventh, with a one-out base hit. Bogaerts was also responsible for Moore’s departure from the game, as the Red Sox shortstop hit a line drive directly back at Moore which appeared to catch him on the jaw. Moore actually recovered from the impact and managed to throw out Bogaerts at first. Luckily for Moore, who was bleeding, he needed only two stitches in his lip.

Doubront was relieved by Brandon Workman, who continues to vie for Craig Breslow‘s roster spot. The 25-year-old Texan allowed one run in his 3 2/3 innings pitched. Burke Badenhop closed out the game with a scoreless ninth.