Porcello’s 18th, Mookie’s 30th lift Sox

BOSTON — There were roars of “MVP” for Mookie Betts at various points in the Red Sox’s 9-4 victory over the Rays on Monday, in which the 23-year-old right fielder clubbed his 30th home run. In the coming weeks, Rick Porcello could start to hear some “Cy Young” chants.

The sinkerballer improved to 18-3 and passed J.A. Happ (who pitches Tuesday for Toronto) as the winningest pitcher in the Major Leagues this season. Over seven innings, Porcello allowed six hits and three runs, walking none and striking out seven. Porcello’s home dominance continued, as he became the first Boston pitcher since Dave “Boo” Ferriss in 1946 to start a season 13-0 at Fenway.

“You know, another quality start on his part,” said Red Sox manager John Farrell. “What’s recurring is that the deeper he goes in the games, the more efficient and sharp he becomes. That was the case again tonight. Rick has been a model of consistency.”

With the win, the Red Sox remained two games behind the Blue Jays in the American League East while increasing their lead in the AL Wild Card standings to two games over the Orioles.

The Red Sox were playing without Dustin Pedroia for the second straight night, as the second baseman attended funeral services for a family member. The rest of the offense more than picked up the slack. Brock Holt stepped in for Pedroia at leadoff and smacked three hits. Betts (homer, double, two RBIs), Travis Shaw (three hits, RBI), Hanley Ramirez (two runs, two hits) and Sandy Leon (two hits, two RBIs) also made key contributions.

The Rays got multihit performances from Logan Forsythe, Corey Dickerson, Bobby Wilson and Nick Franklin. Righty Matt Andriese took the loss, giving up 10 hits and seven runs over four-plus innings.

“We just got beat tonight,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “They found a way to get on base, key hits with guys on base, and it just piled up and it was very difficult for us to …

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