BOSTON -- Chris Sale's first start after 10 weeks on the injured list had extra meaning for him.
It might mean even more for the Red Sox.
Sale retired Detroit's first 14 batters on Friday night, combining with two relievers on a two-hitter to lead the Red Sox past the Tigers 5-2. The win was Boston's third in a row, helping the Red Sox pull within three games of the Toronto Blue Jays in the race for the AL's final wild-card spot.
"Any time you're playing for something, it's obviously much more enjoyable and more intense," said Sale, who struck out seven before leaving to a standing ovation.