Saint Petersburg, Florida - The AL East Division champion Tampa Bay Rays opened up their quest for a return appearance in the World Series by starting the American League Division Series with a big win over the Boston Red Sox.

The Rays shut out the Red Sox 5-0 on Thursday night to take a one-game lead in their best-of-five series.

The Rays were led by left fielder Randy Arozarena (26) who walked twice, hit a solo homer, and scored twice, one of which was a steal of home plate for a total of three of Tampa’s five runs.

Shortstop Wander Franco got things started for the Rays in the first inning with a double to center field that scored Arozarena’s first run.

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Franco finished the game 2-for-4 and also scored a run himself in the first thanks to infielder Yanny Diaz’s two-out single.

It was only a two-run lead for Tampa at that point but thanks to their starting ace, Shane McClanahan, the Rays were never really threatened as the game progressed.

He pitched five innings and struck out three batters, earning the win.

The Red Sox started Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, but he couldn’t get out of the second inning after Tampa’s offensive first inning.

While Boston occasionally got hits on the board, finishing the game with nine hits to Tampa’s six total, they couldn’t bring any runners home to at least break the Rays’ ongoing shutout bid.

Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, and second baseman Christian Arroyo each had two hits for the Red Sox, but nothing else to show for it.

Tampa tacked on three more runs over six close innings and utilized one of the league’s best bullpens to seal the win for the Rays.

Game Two of the ALDS between these two clubs is right back in St. Petersburg on Friday night.