Bosox hold on as Jays' runner thrown out

July 5, 2011

Darnell McDonald threw out Edwin Encarnacion at the plate on a single to short leftfield for the final out and the Boston Red Sox held on for a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays last night.

Jose Bautista had hit a two-run homer with no outs in the ninth off Jonathan Papelbon. Then a single by Encarnacion and a walk to J.P. Arencibia put runners at first and second with two outs. John McDonald looped a single that Darnell McDonald charged and, on the run, fired the ball on the fly to Jason Varitek.

The catcher tagged Encarnacion to end the game.

"I want to do things to help the team," McDonald said. "Obviously, I haven't been effective at the plate. It's a long season . . . When you're not hitting, defense has to be on point."

Boston starter Jon Lester allowed no hits in four innings before leaving with a strained muscle on the left side of his back.

Twins 3, Rays 2: Scott Baker had another start cut short by injury before Glen Perkins bailed out struggling closer Matt Capps in the ninth again for host Minnesota. Baker (7-5) gave up one unearned run and three hits with three strikeouts before leaving after five innings with a mild right elbow strain.

Rangers 4, Orioles 2: Elvis Andrus hustled home with the go-ahead run in the seventh, the same inning that he made two spectacular defensive plays for host Texas.

Phillies 14, Marlins 2: An intentional walk to Ryan Howard with a runner at first backfired when the next four hitters singled, and visiting Philadelphia went on to drub Florida. Raul Ibañez had a homer and four RBIs and Cole Hamels (10-4) allowed two runs in eight innings.

Nationals 3, Cubs 2: Second baseman Jeff Baker's throwing error gave host Washington a pair of runs in the first inning and Ross Detwiler won his season debut. The play put Chicago in a 2-0 hole that became 3-0 on Wilson Ramos' infield single.

Cardinals 8, Reds 1: Matt Holliday homered twice hours after being picked to represent the National League in the Home Run Derby for host St. Louis. The Cardinals activated Albert Pujols from the 15-day disabled list before the game but did not use him.

Braves 5, Rockies 3: Freddie Freeman's third homer in two games gave host Atlanta an early lead, and Derek Lowe (5-6) hit a three-run double.

Pirates 5, Astros 1: Jeff Karstens allowed one run in seven-plus innings, Brandon Wood homered and host Pittsburgh won its third consecutive game. -- AP