Red Sox 6 - 2 Orioles
Final
  for this game

Red Sox pull out win against O's, avoid sweep

Apr 29, 2011 - 5:29 AM

Video

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Adrian Gonzalez finished 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and two RBI as Boston downed Baltimore, 6-2, in the finale of a three-game series from Camden Yards.

Jacoby Ellsbury added three hits, drove in two and scored twice for the Red Sox, who salvaged a game in the set and have taken six of their last eight.

Jon Lester (3-1) worked eight innings for the win, allowing four hits, three walks and a pair of runs with five strikeouts.

"We don't get caught up in the artificial deadlines," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona of the pressure on his team to contend from the start of the year. "We needed to win tonight because we didn't show well the first two nights, but we definitely played a better game."

Vladimir Guerrero homered and Derrek Lee knocked in the other run for the Orioles, who have dropped four of six.

Jim Johnson (1-1) took the loss, charged with two runs over one-plus frames of relief. Starter Brad Bergesen lasted six innings and yielded six hits and two runs while fanning five and walking two.

Tied at 2-2 in the seventh, Carl Crawford began the frame against Johnson with a double and came home with two down on Dustin Pedroia's single.

"Crawford hit a pitch down and away from J.J., and you just have to tip your hat," said O's manager Buck Showalter. "He hit it in a spot where it was in play. But usually he's got good stuff that many haven't hit this year."

The Sox got breathing room in the eighth with three more runs. Kevin Youkilis worked a leadoff walk and Johnson was replaced by Mike Gonzalez, who gave up a single to David Ortiz. Pinch-hitter Mike Cameron walked to load the bases and Jarrod Saltalamacchia's RBI single made it 4-2. Ellsbury then drove in a pair with a two-out single.

Lester served up Rob Andino's leadoff double then retired the next three batters to end his outing.

Jonathan Papelbon turned in a 1-2-3 ninth in a non-save situation.

Gonzalez doubled in Ellsbury to put the Sox on the board in the first, then Lee's base hit plated Brian Roberts in the home half.

Gonzalez struck again in the third, singling home Ellsbury once more to put Boston ahead, but Guerrero hit one into the left-field seats with two down in the sixth for a 2-2 game.

Game Notes

Lester upped his career record to 14-0 in 17 career starts against Baltimore, with a 7-0 mark at Camden Yards...Ellsbury and Gonzalez have each doubled in four consecutive games...Both clubs are in action on Friday with the Red Sox hosting Seattle and the Orioles heading to Chicago for four against the White Sox.






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