Ben Zobrist belted a two-run homer in the first inning and rookie phenom Matt Moore pitched three strong frames in relief as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays edged the slumping Boston Red Sox 4-3 on Saturday.

The victory pulled Tampa Bay within three games of Boston in the American League wild-card race. The Rays have won 11 of 17 games against the Red Sox this season - including six of eight in Boston. The Red Sox fell to 4-12 in September.

Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (11-7) allowed two runs on four hits in five innings to earn the victory. He has defeated Boston twice this season, surrendering just four runs and eight hits in 22 innings.

Moore, 22, gave up one run and two hits in his second major league appearance, striking out two to keep the Rays in front. Joel Peralta pitched the ninth for his fourth save.

Mike Aviles, who had three hits, doubled in a run in the third and Jacoby Ellsbury added his 95th and 96th RBIs of the season.

Losing pitcher Jon Lester (15-8), who gave up four runs in seven innings, is 10-6 lifetime against the Rays - 1-3 in 2011.