John Lackey edged Justin Verlander in the latest duel of these pitching-rich playoffs as the Boston Red Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday for a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship Series.

Mike Napoli homered in the seventh inning off Verlander, and Detroit's attempt at a rally fell short in the eighth when Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder struck out with men on base.

"The runs are pretty stingy," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "This is what it's about in postseason, good pitching."