Detroit Tigers defeat Boston Red Sox, 7-6

DETROIT — The Red Sox were 4-9 on the afternoon of April 20, when they placed first Mike Cameron and then Jacoby Ellsbury on the disabled list.

For a team struggling to find its way at the start of the season, the news seemed devastating.

Ellsbury was their leadoff hitter, his speed an important component of the offense. Cameron had been signed to play center field and was a focal point of the team’s newfound commitment to defense.

“There were a lot of things going w...

DETROIT — The Red Sox had a five-run lead with Jon Lester on the mound in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers last night. Six innings later, the visitors had suffered their most painful loss of the season.

Ramon Santiago drew a four-pitch walk from Ramon Ramirez with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 12th as the Tigers escaped Comerica Park with a 7-6 victory.

The Sox drew 12 walks, matching the most in the major leagues this season. But they...

DETROIT — You walk 12 men and then you win on a walkoff walk.

The Tigers stole one last night, 7-6, and the Red Sox let them. Oh, Phil Coke, Joel Zumaya, and Jose Valverde were lights out in relief, but before that, Detroit’s pitching, especially the seven walks issued by starter Dontrelle Willis, had given Boston an open door to victory. The Sox amassed a 6-1 lead and simply blew it.

“I’ve managed so many games and won and lost in so many situations,’’ said Tigers m...

DETROIT — Josh Beckett is back in the Red Sox rotation and will face the Yankees Tuesday after successfully completing a 55-pitch bullpen session yesterday.

“Everything felt fine,’’ said Beckett, who turned 30 yesterday. “I’ll pitch in New York. Looking forward to it.’’

The Sox are maintaining a cautious stance, saying they want to see how Beckett is moving around today after missing his last start because of back spasms. But manager Terry Francona indicated there wa...