MLB: Boston 5, Tampa Bay 1

BOSTON, June 4 (UPI) -- Josh Beckett allowed one run over six innings Wednesday and the Boston Red Sox grabbed the lead in the American League East by downing Tampa Bay 5-1.

Beckett (6-4) gave up seven hits and struck out five without walking a batter.

It was Boston's 12th consecutive win at home and the Red Sox inched a half game in front of the Rays for the top spot in the division. Boston has won five out of six overall and defeated Tampa Bay for the fifth time this year in as many meetings at Fenway Park.

J.D. Drew, batting third in place of the injured David Ortiz, had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run.

The loss went to Edwin Jackson (3-5), who was touched for four runs on six hits in five innings.