The game turned in one devastating inning. Detroit scored four times in the fifth to break open a tie game and defeat Boston 6-2 at Fenway Park, turning what had been an even contest into a comfortable victory.
Framber Valdez controlled the Red Sox lineup through six innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven. The left-hander earned his second win of the season, carrying a 3.30 ERA. Valdez walked two but never allowed Boston to mount a serious threat after the first inning.
The fifth inning decided everything. Jahmai Jones homered to center to give Detroit a 2-1 lead, then Dillon Dingler followed with a three-run blast to center that scored Torres and Vierling. Dingler finished 4-for-5 with four RBIs, adding a double in the first inning that had brought home Vierling for Detroit's initial run.
Garrett Crochet struggled through five innings for Boston, allowing seven hits and five earned runs while striking out eight. His ERA now sits at 7.88 after taking his third loss of the season. The Red Sox managed only six hits total, with Willson Contreras providing their lone highlight with a solo homer in the first that briefly tied the game.
Detroit improved to 11-10 and snapped a losing streak. Boston fell to 8-12 with the loss. Valdez is seven games away from 200 career appearances.