Pena’s homer leads Rays past Red Sox

BOSTON -- Carlos Pena hit a three-run homer in the 14th inning, then Tampa Bay reliever Jason Hammel escaped a major jam Wednesday night to give the AL East-leading Rays a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.

The Rays, who were only one for 35 with runners in scoring position in this series before Pena’s homer, increased their division edge to 2 1/2 games over the Red Sox.

Boston loaded the bases with no outs in the 14th against closer Troy Percival. Hammel took over with a 4-1 lead and retired three straight batters for his first save since he pitched at Class-A Hudson Valley in 2002.

The teams meet again next week for three games at Tropicana Field, where the Rays are 6-0 against the Red Sox.

Boston’s Mike Timlin (4-4) tied Kent Tekulve for the most appearances by a right-handed reliever with 1,050.