Rays win! Rays win!

The Rays won their first game of the spring, pounding the visiting Red Sox 12-4 at Charlotte Sports Park.

The Rays, who scored one run in their first two games of the spring (both losses), pounded out 13 hits. Included were two run homers from Evan Longoria and Chris Richard and doubles by Elliot Johnson, Jason Bartlett and Fernando Perez.


Jeff Niemann looked sharp in his first appearance of the spring, allowing a hit with two strikeouts in his two innings.

Jason Cromer struck out five of the seven batters he faced.

The Rays return to action Saturday in Clearwater against the World Series champion Phillies.

Mitch Talbot is scheduled to start for the Rays.