MLB: Boston 4, LA Angels 1

BOSTON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Daisuke Matsuzaka returned to the mound for the first time in three months Tuesday to pitch Boston to a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Matsuzaka (2-5), in his first start since June 19, worked six-plus innings of three-hit, shutout ball for his first victory since June 2. The outing was the longest of the season for Matsuzaka, who had been out with a shoulder injury.

David Ortiz had a homer and two RBI for the Red Sox, who have won five in a row. Jason Bay also drove in a run for Boston, which increased its lead in the AL wild-card race to five games over Texas.

Erick Aybar had two hits and drove in the lone run for the Angels. John Lackey (10-8) took the loss after allowing eight hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings.