Patriots quarterback Tom Brady told the media Tuesday morning that he's "expecting" to play Thursday night in New England's preseason opener against the Eagles in Philadelphia. "I hope so," Brady said when asked if Coach Bill Belichick was ready for him to play Thursday night. "We haven’t talked about it, but he told the guys everybody needs to be ready to play, so I’m expecting to play. There’s no reason I wouldn’t. I’ve been out here and doing everything, and it’ll be nice to get out there and play some football." For more Patriots' updates, check out our blog, "It Is What It Is."
 

Despite blowing an early four-run lead, the Red Sox ended a six-game losing skid with a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Dustin Pedroia belted a two-run, first-inning homer off Edwin Jackson while Nick Green and Jason Bay added solo shots as the Red Sox raced out to a 4-0 lead after two innings. But the Tigers tied the game with two runs off reliever Manny Delcarmen in the seventh, robbing Brad Penny of the win. Green drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Delcarmen got the win while Jonathan Papelbon left the tying and go-ahead runs on in the eighth and got the final four outs for his 28th save in 31 chances. The Red Sox drew to within 5 1/2 games of the Yankees, who lost at home to Toronto. For more, visit the Full Count blog.