[BostonRS14]

May 5th, 2008:

Red Sox 7, Detroit 6

Daisuke Matsuzaka hung around just long enough tonight to snap his three game losing streak and even his record at 3-3, as the Sox defeated the Tigers 7-6 at Comerica Park.

Trailing 6-3, the Red Sox rallied against Justin Verlander in the 6th with four runs. A lead off walk to J.D. Drew was followed by a RBI triple from Kevin Youkilis. Mike Lowell drove home Youkilis with a single before moving into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt by backup catcher Josh Bard. Julio Lugo and Coco Crisp added run-scoring singles off Verlander to chase the Detroit starter. Matt McBride relieved and loaded the bases before forcing a double-play off the bat of Manny Ramirez.

Matsuzaka earned the win despite surrendering six runs on six hits and two home runs in five and a third innings to raise his ERA to 5.40. Daisuke struck out 5 batters and walked five. The Red Sox bullpen continued their strong play with 3.2 innings of hitless relief, topped off by Jonathan Papelbon's 10th save of the year.

W: Matsuzaka (3-3) L: Verlander (2-5) SV: Papelbon (10)
Player of the Game: Dustin Pedroia (4-4, R, RBI)