MLB: Detroit 3, Boston 0

BOSTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Doug Fister fired seven innings of shutout ball Monday and the Detroit Tigers handcuffed Boston 3-0 in a meeting of American League pennant contenders.

Fister (12-7) scattered four hits, worked around four walks and struck out four, tossing 63-of-112 pitches for strikes.

Phil Coke and Bruce Rondon combined for a scoreless eighth and Jose Veras recorded his 21st save as the AL Central-leading Tigers took the first of a three-game series against AL East counterparts Boston.

Andy Dirks' seventh-inning RBI triple broke a scoreless tie while Don Kelly and Prince Fielder each added RBI for Detroit.

Red Sox starter John Lackey (8-12) was hung with the loss, surrendering three runs on seven hits over 7 1/3 innings.