BOSTON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Tim Wakefield became the oldest winning pitcher in Boston history Wednesday thanks to an offensive surge that gave the Red Sox an 11-5 victory over Tampa Bay.
Wakefield, who had not started in two weeks and had not won since July 2, replaced Dennis Eckersley as the franchise's oldest winner. Wakefield claimed the triumph at the age of 44 years, 37 days. Eckersley was 43 years, 349 days old when he picked up his final Boston win on Sept. 17, 1998.
Wakefield (4-11) had lost his previous four decisions. He gave up five runs on six hits over five innings, but left the game with Boston holding a 7-5 lead. Three Red Sox relievers combined for four scoreless innings while allowing two hits.
Boston overcame an early 4-0 deficit on a home run outburst that included a two-run blast by Adrian Beltre in the second, solo shots by Marco Scutaro and David Ortiz in the third and another one by Victor Martinez in the fifth.
The loss left the Rays 2 1/2 games behind the division-leading New York Yankees in the American League East.
Matt Garza (14-8) gave up nine hits and six runs in 4 1/3 innings. He had won his previous three decisions.
