BOSTON (AP) — David Ortiz’s two-run homer capped a five-run sixth inning and the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Wednesday night despite losing two key starters to injuries.
Left fielder Hanley Ramirez left with a bruised left hand and second baseman Dustin Pedroia limped off after his tiebreaking, two-run single with right hamstring tightness.
It was Boston’s fifth win in eight games and snapped its six-game losing streak to the Orioles.
Baltimore lost for just the fourth time in its last 16.
Clay Buchholz (5-6) worked seven solid innings, giving up one run on eight hits, striking out seven and walking one. Junichi Tazawa struck out the side in the eighth before Koji Uehara got the final three outs.
Trailing 1-0, the Red Sox scored five unearned runs off Bud Norris (2-6). Mookie Betts’ RBI single tied it before Pedroia’s two-run single pushed them ahead. After Pedroia rounded first, he grabbed his right leg in the hamstring area.
Ortiz followed with his homer into the first row of the center-field bleachers.
In the fifth, Ramirez was running between first and second on a hit-and-run when Xander Bogaerts’ line drive hit his hand. He left the field shaking his hand. By rule, he was out and Bogaerts was credited with a single.
The Orioles had jumped ahead 1-0 on Chris Davis’ RBI single in the sixth.
Trainer’s room
Orioles: CF Adam Jones sat out for the sixth time in the last eight games with an injured right shoulder. “Improvement today,” manager Buck Showalter said. “We’re getting there.”
Red Sox: OF Shane Victorino, on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf, started a rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket. “Back-to-back first couple of days, two or three at-bats,” manager John Farrell said. “We’ve got to get him to where he goes nine consecutive before he comes back to us. That wouldn’t be on this upcoming road trip.” … Farrell also said C Blake Swihart, who sprained his left foot sliding into third over the weekend, is expected back in the lineup Thursday.
Brock of all trades
With the injuries, Brock Holt played three different positions in three consecutive innings. He started the game at first, moved to left in the sixth and second in the seventh.
Up net
Orioles: RHP Miguel Gonzalez (5-4, 3.33 ERA) is slated to come of the 15-day DL and start the series finale Thursday. He’s been out since June 10 with a strained right groin.
Red Sox: Rookie LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (3-1, 3.13 ERA) is scheduled to start Thursday. He’s allowed one run or less in four of his first five major-league starts.
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