G84: Red Sox 5, Astros 4

Astros  - 000 100 300 - 4  9  2
Red Sox - 010 002 20x - 5 10  1

Hanley Ramirez's two-run homer in the seventh inning gave the Red Sox their third lead of the game, one they did not surrender. (Alexi Ogando had allowed back-to-back dongs in the top half as the Astros took a 4-3 lead.)

In the ninth, Preston Tucker led off by reaching on an error by Brock Holt. Koji Uehara retired the next three Astros: F7, K, K.

Ryan Hanigan went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBI. Pablo Sandoval also went 3-for-4; he and Ramirez each scored twice. Mookie Betts doubled and walked twice.

Eduardo Rodriguez: 5-6-1-2-8, 101. He became the first pitcher (since at least 1914) to allow one or no runs in at least six of his first eight major league outings/starts.

Time of game: 4:01!

The Rays beat the Yankees 8-1, so Boston is 6 GB.

Lance McCullers / Eduardo Rodriguez

Betts, CF
Holt, 2B
Bogaerts, SS
Ortiz, 1B
Ramirez, DH
Sandoval, 3B
Victorino, RF
De Aza, LF
Hanigan, C

David Ortiz starts at first base in a non-interleague game for the first time since August 5, 2006. It is his first start at first base at Fenway Park in almost 10 years (July 16, 2005).

John Farrell:

Today's lineup I think gives us the best lineup we can put on the field. Recognize it's been quite some time since David has played first base in an American League game. Also gives us the ability to have De Aza in left field.

Mike Napoli is batting only .168 since June 1.

Farrell also said that Wade Miley and Rick Porcello will start Tuesday and Wednesday against Miami and Justin Masterson will pitch out of the bullpen until the break.