Moss, Ramirez spark Red Sox to opening win

Brandon Moss was an unlikely hero for the Boston Red Sox, hitting a solo homer to tie Tuesday's season-opener in Japan in the ninth inning, and Manny Ramirez hit a two-run double in the 10th to go ahead as the 2007 champs defeated the Oakland A's 6-5 at the Tokyo Dome.

It was the first major-league homer for Moss, who was only playing because regular starter J.D. Drew suffered a lower back injury. Moss drove in another run earlier, and Ramirez drove in the other four for Boston.

It was a mixed homecoming for Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who gave up two runs in five innings but was wild, walking five, hitting a batter and throwing one wild pitch. The former Japan League star struck out six.

Hideki Okajima picked up the victory, and Jonathan Papelbon saved it (although he gave up a run in the 10th). A's closer Huston Street took the loss.

Mark Ellis and Jack Hannahan homered for Oakland, which is the home team in the series. The Red Sox and A's will play one more game in Japan on Wednesday (6:05 a.m. on the East Coast) before heading back to the mainland.

Photo: Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez celebrates after hitting a two-run double in the 10th inning during Tuesday's Major League Baseball opening game in Tokyo. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)