With the thick of the Red Sox lineup due up in the top of the ninth inning, the Tigers, no doubt, were thrilled to add their slim lead before closer Jose Valverde trots in to close it out.
Prince Fielder picked up his first RBI as a Tiger, sending a 1-2 pitch from lefty Franklin Morales into shallow center-field.
It was more than deep enough for Austin Jackson to tag from third, and he scored on a weak throw from Jacoby Ellsbury.
Jackson led off the inning with a triple to right field, his second hit of the day (to zero strikeouts!). Brennan Boesch then grounded out, and the Red Sox opted to intentionally walk Miguel Cabrera ahead of Fielder.
Bobby Valentine then brought in Morales, who got ahead of Fielder before the slugger fought off a pitch and lofted it to center.
The Tigers lead 2-0 heading to the ninth. Valverde is in, as are Don Kelly (right field) and Clete Thomas (left field) as defensive replacements. Yes, Miguel Cabrera is still playing third.
Due up for the Red Sox in the top of the ninth: Pedroia, Gonzalez, Ortiz.
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