Red Sox 4, Tigers 3
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Tigers tied it up in the sixth inning only to see that disappear as David Ortiz hit a solo home run in the ninth to give the Red Sox the only lead needed as the Detroit Tigers drop the first game of a day-night doubleheader 4-3 on Sunday.
As heard on 97.1 The Ticket, Detroit extends its losing streak to three games and falls below .500 as it goes into the night game against the Red Sox.
David Ortiz had a pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning off Jose Valverde to give the Boston Red Sox the opening victory.
Ortiz, pinch-hitting for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, worked a full count against the Tigers' closer, then hit a line drive over the scoreboard in right-center.
Boston has won 13 of 15, including five in a row. They will go for a sweep of their four-game visit to Detroit in the nightcap, with aces Josh Beckett and Justin Verlander pitching.
Matt Albers (1-2) picked up the win with two shutout innings of relief, while Valverde (2-2) took the loss. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save.
Stay with 97.1 The Ticket as the Tigers complete the double-header against the Red Sox on Sunday night.
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