Red Sox manager Terry Francona, center, separates Julio Lugo, right, from home plate umpire Dan Iassogna, left, as the two were arguing after Lugo struck out in the fifth inning.

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AP / Mike Carlson

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Kevin Youkilis made history last night.

The Red Sox first baseman has recorded 1,701 consecutive chances at the position without making an error to pass Stuffy McInnis (1921-22) for the all-time record in that category.

Earlier this season Youkilis broke Steve Garvey’s record for consecutive games without an error with 193 and he now has 205 games without a miscue.

Youkilis was quite humble regarding his record due to the fact the Red Sox lost their fourth straight game, 2-1, to the Rays at Tropicana Field.

“I didn’t even know when I did it,” he said. “I just go out there and play the game; it’s not a big deal to me. Winning ballgames is the biggest part of my concern right now. We need to get this team back on track.”

Even Red Sox manager Terry Francona was concentrating more on the team’s performance last night.

“I knew he was approaching it,” Francona said. “The only reason I do know is because [travel secretary] Jack McCormick came running down because MLB wanted the balls.

“The ball that tied it, Youk flipped into the stands. You’re in a one-run game and not really paying attention to it, but I was aware of it.”

Entering last night, Youkilis was nine shy of the mark, but his 10 chances against Tampa gave him the record.

“The whole time this has been happening, I didn’t really know until people have told me,” he said.

Concerning Garvey’s record: “In Oakland, I knew about that one, but that was it. Hopefully that’s it. Are there any more? I’ll just keep throwing the balls into the stands. It’s better if I don’t know.”

Ortiz injures knee

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz missed last night’s game with a bruised right knee. J.D. Drew served as the club’s DH against the Rays. After last night’s loss to the Rays, Francona said Ortiz would sit out today’s game, “Ortiz will not play again today.”

Ortiz attempted to stay out of a double play in the top of the 11th inning against the Rays on Friday as he slammed head first into first base. Francona said the play looked like a car accident.

“When I saw him get up, I knew it,” Francona said. “I was hoping he wouldn’t feel it [Saturday], but he does. So, we’re going to give him a chance to get rid of the swelling.”

With one out in the 11th inning, Dustin Pedroia singled before Ortiz pulled the ball to the right side of the infield. Rays first baseman Eric Hinske made the play and got the lead runner at second. Ortiz hustled down the line and dove into the bag to no avail.

“I’m glad he wanted to get to first that bad,” said Francona. “It was a big run and he wanted to get there and dove. His knee is bruised, so we’ll give him a little time.”

It’s the same knee he had surgery on during the offseason.

Ortiz went 0-for-6 Friday night, snapping a seven-game hitting streak. During that stretch he posted a .370 average with 3 home runs, 2 doubles, 16 RBI and 7 runs scored.

Moss a Mantle lookalike

Brandon Moss looks so much like Mickey Mantle it’s freaky.

The Red Sox rookie says he’s been told that many times. The resemblance was never more obvious than it was at Tropicana Field yesterday afternoon. Moss was called up from Pawtucket to replace the injured Sean Casey, who was placed on the 15-day DL with a hip sprain, and as Moss walked through the visitor’s clubhouse, he passed a life-size black-and-white photo of Mantle hanging on the wall.

It was as though The Mick emerged from the photograph.

“I wish I could hit like him,” said Moss. “I wish we had more in common than just looks.”

Casey put on disabled list

The Red Sox have placed Casey on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip-flexor sprain. Francona and Casey spoke numerous times Friday night. The manager said Casey didn’t think the injury was that bad, but the medical staff was not convinced. He suffered the injury in the top of the second inning when he scored from second base on a base hit by Jacoby Ellsbury. Casey will be examined when the team returns to Boston tomorrow.

Timlin’s back acts up

Francona was a little worried about reliever Mike Timlin after Friday’s game. The veteran right-hander began warming in the bullpen during the eighth inning, but had to receive medical treatment in the dugout due to back stiffness. Timlin eventually pitched and suffered the loss. Francona said Timlin felt no ill effects yesterday, and admitted it was a weird situation, one that you don’t see too often.

Hinske gets his ring

Hinske, the Tampa first baseman who played for the Sox last year, received his 2007 World Series ring on Friday. Red Sox infielder Alex Cora rounded up the players, along with the club travel secretary McCormick, and presented Hinske with the ring in the weight room at Tropicana Field.

“He’s one of the better teammates I’ve ever seen,” commented Francona. “He took a situation that wasn’t the best for his career and handled it like a pro every day. From where I sit, you really appreciate it, and I know his teammates really respect him.”

He thought he would get it when the Rays visit Fenway Park for a three-game series next weekend, but his former teammates surprised him on Friday.

jmcdonal@projo.com