Knuckleballer Wright struggles, Red Sox fall to Tigers 9-8
BOSTON (AP) - On the rare occasion knuckleballer Steven Wright has an off night, the Red Sox have typically picked him up this season.
Boston came up on rally short Tuesday night.
The Red Sox rallied from four- and three-run deficits but were held scoreless over the final three innings in a 9-8 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run home run and Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Tyler Collins each had a pair of RBIs as the Tigers roughed up Wright, who entered leading the AL in ERA.
With the game tied in the sixth, Collins drew a bases-loaded two-out walk, which allowed Justin Upton to score the deciding run.
Detroit and Boston combined for 22 hits on a night when both starting pitchers struggled.
David Ortiz had a three-run home run, but Boston's offense didn't have enough to offset a rare poor outing by Wright, who gave up nine hits and eight runs over 4 2/3 innings.
"You can't fall behind. It doesn't matter who you're facing," Wright said. "For me, it's like I really don't have that much to go to."
Wright had won his last four starts, going eight innings in a win over the Twins on Thursday when he allowed two runs - one earned - on four hits and struck out nine.
His exit Tuesday was the quickest since he also went 4 2/3 innings June 25 at Texas, which was also his last loss.
"They nicked him for two runs each of the first two innings, then I thought he got the touch and feel for it and started to have his typical action to the pitch," manager John Farrell said.
Wright had to adjust after catcher Ryan Hanigan was scratched just before the game with flu-like symptoms. Wright said his inconsistency was more at issue.
"I feel like our guys kept battling back," Wright said. "For me to dig us another hole to get out of is tough. It's tough to keep asking the offense to keep carrying us like that."
Alex Wilson (1-0) got the victory, and Francisco Rodriguez closed for his 29th save.
Robbie Ross Jr. (1-2) got the loss.
Detroit scored early for the second straight night, this time taking the lead on Cabrera's 20th homer of the season.
That was followed by RBI singles from Collins and Jose Iglesias in the second inning that made it 4-0.
Detroit starter Mike Pelfrey was solid the first time through the order but lost some of his early command the second time around.
It started in the third when Boston nearly erased Detroit's lead with one big swing by Ortiz. With Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts aboard, Ortiz connected on a 3-2 pitch from Pelfrey to drive his 25th of the season over the right-field wall.
The Red Sox took the lead back an inning later on an RBI groundout by Brock Holt and RBI double by Betts.
The Tigers continued to get hits against Wright, and went back up 8-5 thanks a four-run fifth inning.
Boston kept chipping away and used Jackie Bradley Jr.'s home run and RBIs by Dustin Pedroia and Bogaerts to tie it in the sixth.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Red Sox: Manager John Farrell said LF/C Blake Swihart (left ankle sprain) is "ramping up activities" but because of some residual discomfort is not yet ready for a rehab assignment. The next seven to 10 days will be pivotal for him to determine his next step, Farrell said.
UP NEXT
Tigers: RHP Michael Fulmer (9-2, 2.41 ERA) makes his 16th start of the year in Wednesday's series finale. It will be his first career start against the Red Sox. He is coming off a no-decision in his last start Friday against the White Sox, in which he surrendered five runs in five innings.
Red Sox: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2-4, 6.70) will make his third start since being recalled from the DL on July 16. He made his lone appearance against Detroit last season, allowing just one run and three hits over seven innings.
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