BOSTON — It was a game that didn't seem likely to start, given the steady rain, gusting winds and raw 40-something-degree temps that forced players into hoodies and ski hats.
And it was a game that seemed like it would never end given the excruciating slow pace and multiple pitching changes that made it, at 4 hours and 32 minutes, the longest nine-inning contest in Rays' history.
But it was a game the Rays will savor, as they beat the Red Sox 11-2 for their second win at Fenway Park in three days.
And it was a game, as odd as this reads given the lopsided final score, that they actually won because of their bullpen, the same unit that has on so many other days cause considerable anguish.
"There's no doubt," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "We were able to piece it together."
With starter Matt Andriese leaving after the first two batters of the sixth reached and what was then a one-run lead looking shaky, the Rays used a quartet of relievers to get nine very big outs before piling on with seven runs in the ninth.
Erasmo Ramirez, headed to the rotation to replace demoted Blake Snell, was first up, bailing out Andriese and following up with a solid seventh.
"It was just the right moment to execute every pitch," Ramirez said. "You know the situation is kind of tough, first and second, we're winning just by one and you don't want to mess it up. You don't want to be the bad guy in the game."
With the lead expanded to 4-2, Cash turned to a pair of rookies in the eighth, lefty Jose Alvarado getting an out and allowing an infield hit, and then just-called-up Ryne Stanek, who threw three 99 mph fastballs for balls then came back to get an out and give up a hit.
And with two out and two on, Cash summoned closer Alex Colome, who struck out Jackie Bradley for the biggest out of the long day.
"The bullpen came in and really did some good things," Cash said. "Erasmo. Colome, obviously. Alvarado, he continues to come in and throw strikes. … I think it says something about Ryne Stanek to come in and fall behind and settle back in and force some contact."
As the Rays (19-21) scored seven in the top of the ninth, Cash asked Colome — who would have still been in line for the save — about letting someone else work the ninth so he could be fresh for tonight. Colome was good with that call, and Danny Farquhar finished.
"We want to win, that's what's important," Colome said. "I don't care about the one save or whatever."
Said Cash: "Incredibly unselfish on his part."
The conditions were brutal from the start, evidenced by the wet grass, misty air and wind blowing pop-ups out of the reach of fielder, bats and balls tough to grip. "I would be looking in at home plate and the rain would change direction right in my eyes and you couldn't see the signs," Andriese said. "It was tough."
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Explore all your optionsThe Rays built the early lead with some good hitting and good timing. Corey Dickerson got them started with a first-inning triple that was the first of his four hits, Evan Longoria and Jesus Sucre both had key hits and Steven Souza Jr. the big blast at the end, a three-run homer in the ninth.
But the key to success Sunday was the bullpen, as the Rays continue to search for a combination that they can rely on, and will from now on be without Ramirez.
"We were talking in the bullpen that we have to be more focused to help the team win," Colome said. "Sometimes we have only a one-run or a two-run lead and we have to make better pitches to win the game."
Added Ramirez:
"People talk about the bullpen, but we're just working our way back to be a confident bullpen. No matter what inning, what situations, no matter who is pitching. … What we want, is everyone, no matter who, no matter how much experience you've got, you have to set up your mind to go out and execute pitches."
Some days it seems so simple.
Marc Topkin can be reached at mtopkin@tampabay.com. Follow @ TBTimes_Rays.