Red Sox do something they haven't ever done in franchise history in win vs. Tigers

The Boston Red Sox won a weird one Wednesday night.

Backed by strong pitching and outfield defense, the Red Sox earned a series sweep by topping the Detroit Tigers, 4-0, at Comerica Park.

They did so in a unique fashion.

For the first time in the franchise's 126-year history, the Red Sox won with four runs on four hits and struck out at least 14 times.

"It's an odd one," Tigers broadcaster Jason Benetti said after center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela caught Spencer Torkelson's game-ending fly ball to end the game. "It's a quirky one, but it's a winning one for Boston." 

OF defense gives Red Sox edge over Tigers

Red Sox starter Sonny Gray (3-1) earned the win after pitching five shutout innings in his first game back from a hamstring injury. Making his first start since April 20, Gray benefited from timely defense.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning, Tigers infielder Jace Jung connected on a line drive to shallow right field. Wilyer Abreu charged and stretched out to snare the run-saving out.

The Red Sox scored what proved to be the winning runs in the third when Flaherty allowed a run-scoring double to Jarren Durbrin and Willson Contreras delivered a sacrifice fly. 

The Tigers' defense faltered when third baseman Colt Keith allowed a two-out, fourth-inning ground ball to roll between his legs, scoring two runs. 

Tigers starter Jack Flaherty (0-3), who suffered from command issues, struck out the first five batters he faced, finishing with 10 in five innings. The Red Sox struck out 15 times. 

Designated hitter Masataka Yoshida was the lone Red Sox batter to collect two hits

The Tigers competed without manager A.J. Hinch, who served a one-game suspension for his role in Tuesday's bench-clearing brawl.