Associated Press
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=BALTIMORE — Adrian Beltre homered to spark a five-run second inning, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-4 on Thursday night to salvage a .500 road trip.
David Ortiz drove in two runs and J.D. Drew had three hits for the Red Sox, who moved within 6 1/2 games of idle Tampa Bay in the AL wild-card race.
Boston dropped two of three on the road against the Rays, then lost in Baltimore on Tuesday before winning two straight. The Red Sox open a six-game homestand Friday against former teammate Manny Ramirez and the Chicago White Sox.
After missing his last start with a sore back, Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-4) gave up four runs in 5 2-3 innings. He has allowed four runs in each of his last four outings.
Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth for his 35th save, and second in two nights. Baltimore got runners on second and third with one out before Papelbon struck out Cesar Izturis and rookie Josh Bell.
Papelbon is the only pitcher in major league history to record at least 35 saves in each of his first five seasons. In 38 career appearances against the Orioles, he has 30 saves and an 0.75 ERA.
Baltimore starter Brad Bergesen (6-10) gave up five runs, two earned, eight hits and a career-high five walks in 5 1-3 innings. He was 3-0 in six starts since July 26.
Down 5-0 and limited to two hits over the first five innings, the Orioles chased Matsuzaka with a four-run sixth.
