BALTIMORE — Anthony Santander hit one of the Orioles’ five homers and drove in four runs, and Baltimore outslugged the Boston Red Sox 15-10 on Friday night.
Jorge Mateo, Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle and Ramón Urías also connected for the Orioles, who had combined to score three runs in their previous two games, both losses.
This time, the Orioles scored three runs in the second inning, three in the third, four in the fourth and five in the fifth – after the Red Sox put up a five-spot in their half of the fifth to get within 10-9. Baltimore’s 15 runs were a season high, and the teams combined for 37 hits, with the Red Sox outhitting the Orioles 19-18.
But none of Boston’s hits left the ballpark, while all but one of Baltimore’s homers came with at least one man on base. Mateo got the Orioles rolling with a two-out, three-run shot to left in the second off Kutter Crawford (3-5) that made it 3-2.
Baltimore moved within 1 1/2 games of Tampa Bay for the final AL wild-card spot.
Nick Vespi (5-0), the third of six Orioles pitchers, got the win, allowing one run in one inning.
Santander’s two-run shot to right in the third was his career-high 21st homer. He finished 3 for 5, adding a two-run double in the fifth.
Crawford allowed nine runs and 11 hits – both career highs – over 3 2/3 innings.
Boston scored five times in the fifth against reliever Keegan Akin on an RBI single by Eric Hosmer, a three-run double by Tommy Pham and another single by Alex Verdugo. All the runs were unearned because of errors by second baseman Rougned Odor and catcher Rutschman.
The Orioles rebuilt their lead in the bottom half against Ryan Brasier. Urías homered to straightaway center. Mountcastle and Austin Hays followed Santander’s double with RBI two-baggers of their own.
EJECTIONS
Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts was ejected in the fourth inning after throwing his bat and arguing a called third strike. Manager Alex Cora was thrown out moments later during an animated argument with home plate umpire Todd Tichenor.
MOVES
Red Sox: Josh Winckowski was optioned to Triple-A Worcester.
Orioles: Outfielder Kyle Stowers’ contract was selected from Triple-A Norfolk. He started in right field, batted fifth and went 2 for 5. … Infielder Richie Martin and left-hander Vespi were also recalled from Norfolk. … Right-hander Logan Gillaspie was optioned to Norfolk. … Infielder Terrin Vavra was placed on paternity leave. … Outfielder Brett Phillips was designated for assignment.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Red Sox: Left-hander Matt Strahm (left wrist contusion) was activated from the 15-day injured list. … Left-hander James Paxton has a lat strain and will undergo an MRI on Saturday. … Pham left the game in the fifth inning because of low back tightness.
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