Evan Longoria, Jeff Niemann help Tampa Bay Rays beat Boston Red Sox 9-3

Longoria, Niemann lead Rays over Red Sox 9-3

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Evan Longoria homered, Jeff Niemann threw six scoreless innings and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 9-3 on Monday night.

Nevin Ashley went 3 for 3 with a solo homer for Tampa Bay. Niemann allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out six.

Josh Beckett pitched six innings for Boston in his last spring outing before facing the New York Yankees on Sunday night in the major league opener. He allowed three runs, two earned, and six hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.

Mike Lowell went 2 for 3 for Boston.