Orioles win it in 10th, sweep Red Sox

BALTIMORE - The Orioles didn't need a history lesson to feel good about sweeping the Red Sox. There were plenty of other reasons to celebrate the accomplishment.

Ty Wigginton doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning after a throwing error by Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon, giving the Orioles a 3-2 victory Sunday and their first three-game sweep of the Red Sox at home in 36 years.

None of the Orioles really cared that disco was the craze or that Gerald Ford was president the last time Baltimore swept a three-game home set from Boston. What mattered was that they had their first three-game winning streak of the season and seemed to have restored a sense of dignity in the clubhouse after a 2-16 start.

"It's just great for the team, individuals who have gone through a lot of pain and mimicry for 30 days," manager Dave Trembley said. "I believe we've gotten through the worst. The good days are ahead."

And what about the Sox? After going 16-2 against Baltimore last season and reaching the playoffs, they're 11-14 overall. 2-4 against the Orioles. "We're going to have to regroup in a hurry and figure it out," manager Terry Francona said.

Starting pitcher Josh Beckett said: "A sweep's a sweep. It's frustrating for us, to go home like that . . . It doesn't matter what month it is."

The Orioles swept a four-game series from Boston at Camden Yards in 1998 but hadn't swept three against the Red Sox in Baltimore since Sept. 2-4, 1974.

"We're starting to learn how to win a little bit," Orioles starter Kevin Millwood said. "I think we're starting to realize that we're a better team than people give us credit for. It really was a very good homestand."

After going 0-6 on its first homestand, Baltimore went 4-2 against the Yankees and Sox.

Nick Markakis led off the 10th with a walk against Papelbon (1-2). Markakis went to second on an errant throw to first by the reliever, then scored without a throw when Wigginton doubled to left-center.

Papelbon came in with a 0.87 ERA against Baltimore in 33 career appearances.

"It wasn't like he was wild. He just missed," said Boston catcher Jason Varitek, who along with J.D. Drew hit solo homers. "His cleat sticks on a pick, he makes a little errant throw, left a breaking ball up to Wigginton and that was it."

Matt Albers (2-3) worked the 10th for his second win in the series.

"Anytime you can get some wins against Boston, you're accomplishing something," Wigginton said. "They always have a winning, championship-type team over there. So it's nice to get three."

Added Markakis: "Things are coming around now. Hopefully, it will continue."