TAMPA — What could have been a late-season tuneup has instead turned into a must-win series for the Red Sox at the temporary home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

After a disappointing homestand that saw the Red Sox go just 2-4, the team has put itself in a position where they need wins here as the final trip of the regular season gets underway.

The Red Sox will have ace Garrett Crochet on the mound in the first game. Crochet is coming off a six-inning start against the Yankees in which he fanned 12.

The Sox are currently positioned as the third wildcard team in the American League, just a game and a half ahead of fast-charging Cleveland, which has won seven straight and nine of the last 10.

For the third straight game, Alex Cora has elevated Trevor Story to the No. 2 spot in the order, with Ale

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