BOSTONThe Red Sox wrapped up their seven-game homestand with a 5-1 win over the Royals as Daisuke Matsuzaka earned his first win of the season.
Returning from the disabled list, Matsuzaka made his first start since June 2, going seven innings, giving up one unearned run on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts and a wild pitch. He threw 101 pitches (71 strikes) as he lowered his ERA from 6.65 to 5.10.
It was just his sixth start of the season after beginning the season on the DL recovering from Tommy John surgery in June 2011 and battling assorted ailments this season.
Early on it appeared Matsuzaka might be in for a struggle as he walked Royals lead-off batter Jarrod Tyson to open the game. Tyson then stole second, went to third on Dustin Pedroias error on the throw from Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and then scored on Alex Gordons sacrifice fly.
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But that was all the Royals would get.
Cody Ross went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored, while Jacoby Ellsbury hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot in the first inning.
Andrew Bailey earned his second save with a scoreless ninth.
The Sox finished the homestand with a record of 3-4.