MLB: Boston 8, Detroit 2

BOSTON, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Josh Beckett allowed two runs over seven innings Wednesday and became the first 14-game winner in the majors this year while carrying Boston past Detroit 8-2.

One night after the teams engaged in a bench-clearing brawl, Beckett (14-4) held the Tigers to three hits while striking out six.

The Red Sox remained 1 ½ games in front of Texas for the lead in the American League wild-card berth. Those teams begin a series in Texas Friday.

Mike Lowell's homer put Boston in front in the second and Jason Bay added a two-run shot in the third. The Red Sox broke the game open with a five-run fifth, during which Lowell drove home Bay with an infield single.

Boston played without first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who began a five-game suspension for charging the mound and touching off the brawl Tuesday.

The Red Sox won their third straight after losing six in a row. Detroit has dropped four out of five.

Zach Miner (5-3) took the loss after surrendering five runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.