Red Sox top Mariners for 15th win in 16 home games

Boston Red Sox's Justin Masterson delivers a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

BOSTON—Justin Masterson pitched six strong innings and J.D. Drew hit a go-ahead homer for Boston, lifting the Red Sox to a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.

Masterson (3-0) gave up one run on three hits and struck out four for Boston, which has won 15 of its last 16 at home and eight of 10 overall. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.

Drew greeted Seattle reliever Sean Green (1-2) with his eighth homer of the season in the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie. It was only the second homer allowed by Green, who made his 32nd appearance, tied for first in the American League.

Seattle starter Erik Bedard lasted only five innings, despite giving up only two hits and one run. It was only the third time in his last six starts that he has made it through the fifth.

Seattle went ahead 1-0 in the second inning on an RBI groundout by Yuniesky Betancourt. On the previous at-bat by Richie Sexson, Drew made a highlight-reel over-the-shoulder catch while battling the sun to rob Sexson of extra bases.

Boston tied it in the third at 1-1, but failed to break it open when Bedard struggled with his control while throwing 40 pitches. After Coco Crisp singled, Brandon Moss and Dustin Pedroia walked to load the bases. Drew was hit by a pitch forcing Crisp home, but Manny Ramirez struck out to end the threat. Ramirez did later extend his hitting streak to 13 games.

Notes:@ Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced before the game that he hoped Jacoby Ellsbury would return to the Boston lineup Tuesday. ... Bedard has allowed one run in 12 innings against Boston this season. ... Pedroia is 0-for-15 on the Red Sox's homestand. ... Ichiro Suzuki went 0-for-4 for Seattle.