By AP
DETROIT – Ramon Santiago hit a two-run homer and Armando Galarraga was sharp in his first start of the season, helping the Detroit Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox 5-1 on Sunday.
Detroit became the first team to win four straight series at home against reigning playoff teams since 1995 when baseball began putting four teams in the postseason, according to STATS LLC.
The Tigers took two of three against Boston after winning three of four over the defending champion New York Yankees, sweeping the Los Angeles Angels and beating the Minnesota Twins in two of three games.
Galarraga (1-0) gave up one run on three hits over 5 2-3 innings, while John Lackey (4-2) allowed five runs on nine hits and four walks over seven innings for Boston.