Matsuzaka pitches Boston to East lead

BOSTON -- Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched six scoreless innings and the Boston Red Sox reclaimed the lead in the American League East going into the All-Star break, defeating the Baltimore Orioles, 2-1, Sunday.

The Red Sox moved half a game ahead of Tampa Bay and took the division lead for the first time since June 28. Boston trailed by a season-high five games last weekend, then won five of six as the Rays lost seven in a row.

The Red Sox went into the break with the best home record in the majors, 36-11.

Matsuzaka (10-1) struggled with his control but worked around four hits and five walks. Jonathan Papelbon escaped in the ninth inning for his 28th save and 100th of his career.

“I would’ve liked to have done it without giving up a run,” Papelbon said.

Matsuzaka helped himself by snaring Melvin Mora’s hard grounder with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning, and has given up only one run in his last 23 1/3 innings. Only twice in 16 starts has he given up more than three runs.

“When he locates, he’s as good as there is,” Manager Terry Francona said.