Bay is a huge hit in his Red Sox debut

BOSTON -- Jason Bay made a smashing debut with Boston, tripling and scoring the winning run in the 12th inning Friday night as the Red Sox began the post-Manny Ramirez era with a 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Bay was obtained from Pittsburgh on Thursday in the deal that sent the slugging Ramirez to the Dodgers. The former Pirate took Ramirez’s spot -- in left field and with clutch hitting.

He had failed to put the ball in play in his first five at bats -- two walks, a hit by pitch and two strikeouts -- before he came up with two out in the 12th against Alan Embree (1-4).

Bay hit the ball high to left field, but it hit the wall and he slid into third with a triple. J.D. Drew then was walked intentionally.

Jed Lowrie, who had left the bases loaded in the 10th, then hit a soft bouncer past the mound. Shortstop Bobby Crosby rushed in, grabbed it and threw to first. But Lowrie beat the throw, scoring Bay with the winning run.