Red Sox defense turns single into ugly Little League homer in loss to Rays

BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora said last week, “We’re not a good defensive team.”

It was clear during the sixth inning Sunday when the Red Sox turned Yandy Díaz’s single to right field into a Little League two-run home run.

The Red Sox lost 6-2 to the Rays at Fenway Park.

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Manuel Margot scored all the way from first base as right fielder Alex Verdugo slowed up and threw casually into second base. Verdugo clearly was not anticipating Margot racing around third and trying to score. Second baseman Enmanuel Valdez’s throw to home was well off target.

Catcher Connor Wong then threw to second base to try prevent Díaz from advancing. Wong’s throw sailed into the outfield and rolled between left fielder Masataka Yoshida and center fielder Jarren Duran, allowing Díaz to score easily to make it 6-2 Rays.

Yoshida also made an error in the fourth inning, allowing the Rays to score.

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Red Sox starter Tanner Houck pitched 5 innings and allowed four runs, five hits and four walks while striking out six.

Alex Verdugo 3-for-5 with two doubles and one triple.

Boston will try to earn a split in this four-game series against Tampa when the two teams play Monday at 4:05 p.m. Red Sox righty Brayan Bello (3-3, 3.89 ERA) will start against Rays lefty Shane McClanahan (8-1, 2.07 ERA).