It took the Red Sox 49 games, but finally, they're over .500 for the first time this season. Strangely enough, they did it by beating Justin Verlander.
In their six previous tries to get over the break-even mark, the Sox had lost every time -- until Tuesday night.
The Sox pounded out 10 hits and scored five runs off the reigning American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner for a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers, giving them a winning record of 25-24.
David Ortiz drove in two runs with two doubles and a home run, while Daniel Nava had a bases-clearing double to lead the Sox to the win.
Daniel Bard allowed two runs -- both on solo homers over 5 13 innings. He evened his record at 5-5 with his second straight win and third in his last four starts.
Bobby Valentine nearly emptied his bullpen, using five relievers to get the final 11 outs, with Alfredo Aceves, who had given up homers in each of his last two outings, notching his 12th save.
STAR OF THE GAME: David Ortiz
Ortiz smacked two doubles and a homer and drove in two runs and scored twice.
Boston Red Sox
Ortiz doubled to lead off the second and scored on a fielder's choice. In the fifth, with Adrian Gonzalez on first, he doubled him home before being thrown out attempting a triple. Finally, he hit an opposite-field line drive into the Monster Seats in the seventh for his 11th homer of the year.
HONORABLE MENTION: Daniel Nava
With the bases loaded in the fourth, Nava worked a full count off Justin Verlander with the bases loaded. He then sliced a double into the left field corner, and with all three runners going on the 3-and-2 pitch, the bases emptied and the Sox led 4-0.
GOAT OF THE GAME: Justin Verlander
The Detroit ace extended his streak of starts with at least six innings to 53 straight, but this was not his best outing. He allowed 10 hits -- a season high -- and five runs and didn't come out for the seventh inning.
TURNING POINT: Nava's double in the fourth opened up the game for Daniel Bard and gave him some breathing room against Verlander.
BY THE NUMBERS: This is the latest it's taken a Red Sox team to get over .500 since 1996, when the Sox didn't have a winning record until their 131st game.