Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay added solo homers for the Red Sox, who have won four straight and seven of their last eight games.
Jon Lester (11-7) got the win after allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings.
Boston is 3 1/2 games ahead of Texas and six games in front of Tampa Bay for the AL wild-card spot.
Carlos Pena hit a solo homer and had two RBI and two runs, and Dioner Navarro had an RBI for the Rays, who have lost four of their last six games.
Andy Sonnanstine (6-8) took the loss after giving up five runs on eight hits in just four-plus innings.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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