Josh Beckett was forced out early due to back spasms but his team prevailed through five complete innings, scoring all four of their runs in the fourth inning to defeat the Detroit Tigers in yesterday’s rain-shortened battle at Fenway Park. Clayton Mortensen threw 2 2/3 shutout innings in relief after traveling to Fenway from Triple-A Pawtucket just hours before.

“It was kind of unexpected, I guess, but being a reliever you’ve got to be ready at any given point,” said Mortensen. “Something crazy can happen. It wasn’t the most ideal situation I wanted to come into a game, but I’ll take it.”

Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who had gone at least six innings in his previous 63 starts, allowed two hits through three innings before the Red Sox caught up to him in the fourth. “Kind of a weird way for (the streak) to come to an end,” he said. “I get a five-inning complete game but I don’t go six innings.”

The Tigers had the bases loaded in the top of the sixth inning with two outs before the tarp came on the field. The game was eventually called after the rain didn’t let up 1 hour and 45 minutes into the delay. Boston has now won four straight and will host the Tigers once more tonight before beginning their four-game series against the Minnesota Twins. Purchase your Boston Red Sox tickets here at AceTicket.com!

Tags: Boston Events, Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, MLB Baseball, Sports