MLB: Tampa Bay 4, Boston 3

BOSTON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Evan Longoria provided the decisive RBI with a fifth-inning single Saturday and Tampa Bay bested Boston 4-3 in the third contest of a crucial four-game set.

Ben Zobrist blasted a two-run homer as Rays pulled to within three games of the American League wild-card leading Red Sox.

Jeff Niemann (11-7) gave the Rays five efficient innings, surrendering a pair of runs on four hits while striking out six and walking two for the victory.

Jon Lester (15-8) was saddled with the loss for the Bosox, giving up four runs on five hits over seven innings.

Jacoby Ellsbury collected two RBI as the Red Sox fell 4 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the race for the AL East crown.