DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers and their fans waited six seasons for Rick Porcello to have the breakout year they believed was his destiny.

On Friday night, they finally got to see it.

Porcello, pitching for the first time at Comerica Park as a member of the Red Sox, allowed two runs in seven innings as Boston beat Detroit 10-2.

“It was fun. Honestly,” Porcello said in his usual low-key way. “I think it helped that I pitched against those guys at Fenway last year and we came here last year, even though I didn’t pitch. It was still weird being on the opposite side, though.”

Porcello is 17-3 with a 3.22 ERA, which no one appreciates more than his teammates.

“We gave him four runs in the first inning, and then he just did what he has done for us all year,” said Hanley Ramirez, who drove in four runs. “When we need a win, we know he’s going to get us one. We had a tough loss yesterday, and he came out and shut them down.”

Advertisement

Porcello appreciated the early help, as both David Ortiz and Jackie Bradley Jr. hit two-run homers off Michael Fulmer in the first inning.

“That’s huge, especially against a guy who has been pitching as well as Michael,” Porcello said. “It’s always easier to pitch with a cushion, especially against that offense.”

Porcello allowed four hits and two walks while striking out eight. His only major mistake was J.D. Martinez’s two-run homer in the second inning.

“It looked like he had a little extra power on the fastball tonight, and I’m sure some of that was being back here,” Red Sox Manager John Farrell said. “You are always going to be pumped up when you go back to a place where you played for a long time.”

The Tigers have lost nine of 12 after winning 10 of 11.

“It is a roller coaster,” Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus said. “I’ve gone through this every year of my career – 25 years now. You have ups and downs.”


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.