Boston closer Papelbon saves 35 for fifth time

BALTIMORE — Adrian Beltre's homer started a five-run second that helped the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-4 on Thursday.

Boston dropped two of three on the road against the Rays last weekend, then lost the opener in Baltimore on Tuesday. But it won the final two games of the series for a .500 road trip.

After missing his last start with a sore back, Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up four runs over 5 2/3 innings. He has allowed four runs in each of his past 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 with 35 saves in each of his first five seasons. In 38 appearances vs. Baltimore, he has 30 saves.

Baltimore starter Brad Bergesen gave up five runs on eight hits and a career-high five walks in 5 1/3 innings. He had been 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. Nick Markakis hit an RBI single, and former Ray Ty Wigginton followed with a run-scoring groundout before Matt Wieters hit a two-run double.

The Red Sox made it 6-4 in the seventh. With runners on first and third and one out, Mike Lowell hit a grounder to third. Bell's throw to second was behind the bag. Brian Roberts made the catch, but his offbalance relay bounced through the legs of Wigginton at first.

A poor fielding play also was a factor in Boston's big inning. After Beltre hit his 25th homer on Bergesen's first pitch, the Red Sox got another run when Wigginton mishandled a sharp grounder by Daniel Nava. Ryan Kalish added an RBI double before David Ortiz slapped a two-run, opposite-field single to left.

The only runner against Matsuzaka in the first three innings was Luke Scott, who reached on an error and was promptly wiped out in a double play.