MLB: Boston 6, Cleveland 2

BOSTON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Daisuke Matsuzaka continued his strong conclusion to the regular season Friday with a six-inning effort that helped bring Boston a 6-2 win over Cleveland.

After losing six consecutive games, the Red Sox won their second straight while tuning up for next week's opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Angels.

Matsuzaka (4-6) struggled throughout much of the season with injuries, but he has won four of his last five starts. He allowed two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts.

Jason Bay finished off a three-run third inning with an RBI double to stake the Red Sox to an early 4-0 lead. Kevin Youkilis added a two-run double in the seventh.

Jeremy Sowers (6-11) gave up four runs on four hits in just three innings to take the loss.

Over the last two seasons, Boston has won 10 of its 13 meetings with Cleveland.